P2. My Favorite Steak Restaurant Is Closing All 261 Of Its Locations

In a desperate bid to stay afloat, Logan’s Roadhouse fired every employee and is set to close 261 locations. While many restaurants have switched to take-out and delivery, Logan’s decided it was better just to clear off their payroll and put people out of work rather than try to stay afloat during the worst economic collapse in American history. Logan’s Roadhouse is owned by the same parent company that owns Old Chicago, which is why it was decided by that large company, it would furlough all of its employees and their healthcare benefits just as people needed them most.
Not only did the restaurant company abandon its workers during this health and economic crisis, the company’s CEO, Hazem Ouf, but was also fired for stealing. He moved around money to suit his personal agenda despite never having the approval to do so.It was reported, “Hazem Ouf was fired as CEO of the company, CraftWorks Holdings, for passing along $7 million in sales taxes to states where the company’s various brands were in operation.”
Days after this man’s firing due to failing to make this financial move under the approval of the court-appointed supervising parties, CraftWorks Holdings, decided to keep on firing their workers. The company did this by “mothballing” every one of its 261 locations because it claimed they did not have any money to keep them running.
The company failed to tell employees that their jobs were gone for good, which meant that some people were holding onto the hope that they’d be able to return to work shortly once the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic swept across America.
Before the pandemic, the company was struggling. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which was made only worse by the economic crash during Trump’s fourth year in office.
After the company fired Hazem Ouf, they replaced him with the new CEO, Marc Buehler. He wasted no time in terminating employees and cutting off their healthcare benefits. Because these employees were left high and dry when they needed health care the most – during a global pandemic – people are scrambling to sign up for Obamacare, which continues to be a respite for people in need of affordable health insurance.

As the news of Logan’s Roadhouse closing all 261 of its locations reverberated through the restaurant industry, many former employees and loyal customers expressed their disbelief and frustration. For years, Logan’s had been a favorite dining spot known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly service, and, of course, its famous hand-cut steaks. The decision to shutter its doors marked the end of an era for many who cherished their visits to the beloved chain.

The closure not only impacted the workers who were abruptly let go but also left a void in communities where Logan’s was a staple. With thousands of employees left without jobs during a time of unprecedented uncertainty, many voiced their concerns on social media, sharing their disappointment and anger toward the management's handling of the situation.

Moreover, the shift in management, with the controversial firing of CEO Hazem Ouf and the subsequent appointment of Marc Buehler, raised eyebrows. Observers wondered whether the new leadership would have taken a different approach, perhaps focusing on alternative strategies to adapt to the changing landscape of the restaurant business rather than resorting to mass layoffs.

In the wake of the closures, some industry experts have pointed out the broader implications for the restaurant sector as a whole. The pandemic has accelerated shifts towards take-out and delivery services, and many successful establishments have pivoted to meet the needs of their customers. Logan’s Roadhouse, however, seemingly opted for an all-or-nothing strategy, which many view as a miscalculation in a challenging market.

As communities continue to grapple with the fallout from these closures, former employees are now seeking new opportunities. Many are sharing their experiences and lessons learned during their time at Logan’s, hoping to find solace and support in one another as they navigate the job market.

For loyal patrons, the loss of Logan’s Roadhouse leaves a gap not only in their dining options but also in the memories created over shared meals and celebrations. Many are now reflecting on their favorite moments spent in the restaurant, from family gatherings to date nights, and are left to wonder what other beloved establishments might face a similar fate.

As the dust settles on this sudden closure, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of the restaurant industry and the need for resilience in times of hardship. For those affected, whether employees or customers, the road ahead may be uncertain, but the spirit of community and support continues to shine through, with many rallying to help one another during these trying times.