US restaurant holding company Bloomin' Brands, the owner of casual dining chains Bonefish Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Fleming's, announced in a regulatory filing on Thursday (Feb. 20) that it would be laying off about 17% of its staff at its headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

The company has around 1,450 restaurant locations globally, including 166 under the Bonefish Grill brand in 27 states.

It said in its filing that it has decided to reduce its workforce by approximately 100 employees following a "comprehensive analysis of the appropriate team size and structure." The reduction will hit employees who work across various operational units "that support corporate administration and restaurant operations," the company advised.

"This action is intended to align the company's cost structure with the current size of its business following the strategic re-franchising of its Brazil operations in December 2024, ongoing challenging industry trends, and increased focus on high-priority growth opportunities and operational efficiency," Bloomin' Brands further explained. 

"The company believes this will further support its long-term strategy and path to sustainable growth in traffic, comparable sales, and profitability."

Bloomin' Brands is scheduled to have its fourth quarter 2024 earnings call this Wednesday (Feb. 26).