Buca di Beppo, a widely popular Italian restaurant chain known for its massive family-style portions and exciting atmosphere, has quietly closed the doors to BOTH Utah locations. It was once a staple for large gatherings and group celebrations, the Salt Lake City and Midvale spots are now permanently closed. These Utah closures are part of a larger wave of shutdowns for them, as Buca di Beppo has closed a several stores over the past months. Utah, however, isn't the ONLY state to experience closures with Buc...
Buca di Beppo, a widely popular Italian restaurant chain known for its massive family-style portions and exciting atmosphere, has quietly closed the doors to BOTH Utah locations. It was once a staple for large gatherings and group celebrations, the Salt Lake City and Midvale spots are now permanently closed. These Utah closures are part of a larger wave of shutdowns for them, as Buca di Beppo has closed a several stores over the past months. Utah, however, isn't the ONLY state to experience closures with Buca di Beppo, however. Multiple other states are experiencing shutdowns as well, places like Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
FULL LIST OF CLOSURES ACROSS UNITED STATES:
North Carolina - 10915 Carolina Place Parkway, Pineville, NC
Ohio - 60 East Wilson Bridge, Worthington, OH
Pennsylvania (3) - 3 East Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, 6600 Robinson Centre Drive, Pittsburgh, & 2745 Paper Mill Road, Wyomissing
WHY THE CLOSURES?
Buca di Beppo's closures follow the recent trend of popular chain restaurants struggling to stay afloat in a challenging economic climate. Earlier this year, Red Lobster also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Now, Buca di Beppo has followed suit, filing for bankruptcy protection and downsizing its operations.
Both restaurant chains point to similar financial pressures. With inflation driving up costs for both consumers and businesses, many people are cutting back on dining out, choosing to save money where they can. These reduced consumer spending habits have significantly impacted the bottom lines of restaurants like Buca di Beppo.
THE ECONOMY JUST SUCKS:
While economic challenges are a major factor, Buca di Beppo has also highlighted the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as a driving force behind the closures. In court filings, the company explained how the pandemic disrupted operations in ways they hadn't foreseen, drastically cutting customer demand and making it difficult to maintain profitability at certain locations.