Story perspectives

Bloomin' Brands Faces Loss, Sees Growth in Guest Traffic

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bloomin' Brands reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $12.2 million for 2025, down from a profit of $10.7 million in the same quarter of 2024.
Total revenues increased slightly to $975.2 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share rose to $0.26.
The company achieved its first positive guest traffic at Outback Steakhouse since late 2021, due to investments in food quality.
Bloomin' Brands anticipates U.S. comparable restaurant sales growth of 0.5% to 2.5% in 2026 and plans to open six to eight new company-owned restaurants this year.

History

Historical Context

The Great Recession, officially lasting from December 2007 to June 2009, was triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis and resulted in a 10% unemployment peak in October 2009. The crisis led to significant financial losses, including Bloomin' Brands' $12.2 million loss in Q4 2025, prompting the restaurant industry to enhance food quality to attract customers, as seen with Outback Steakhouse's first positive guest traffic since 2021.

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Story summary

Bloomin' Brands reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $12.2 million for 2025, down from a profit of $10.7 million in the same quarter of 2024.
Total revenues increased slightly to $975.2 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share rose to $0.26.
The company achieved its first positive guest traffic at Outback Steakhouse since late 2021, due to investments in food quality.
Bloomin' Brands anticipates U.S. comparable restaurant sales growth of 0.5% to 2.5% in 2026 and plans to open six to eight new company-owned restaurants this year.

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