Red Robin May Close Connecticut Locations After Rough Earnings Report

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut fans of the Red Robin gourmet burger chain are on edge following an announcement that the parent company plans to close about 70 "underperforming."

Red Robin's presence in Connecticut includes:

• Enfield at 15 Hazard Ave.
• Manchester at 360 Buckland Hills Drive
• West Hartford at 1509 New Britain Ave.

An earnings report was issued in late February by parent Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 29. For the final quarter, the chain's total revenues were are $285.2 million, a decrease of $23.8 million, primarily due to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 including 12 operating weeks compared to 13 operating weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, according tp the earnings report. For the full year, total revenues are $1.25 billion, a decrease of $54.5 million, according to the earnings report.

Red Robin executives said the chain is "evaluating alternatives for approximately 70 underperforming restaurant locations, including closure, upon expiration for the current lease term."

Between 10 and 15 Red Robin locations could close in 2025, according to to the earning report. The chain closed one restaurant last year when its building lease expired. The rest of the unprofitable restaurants are expected to close within five years.

At the end of 2024, there were 498 Red Robin restaurants nationwide. Of these, 407 were company-owned and 91 were operated by franchisees, according to the company.

"While financial results for 2024 fell well below our original expectations, we've made substantial improvements to the guest experience and believe we still have a significant opportunity ahead of us to reach the full potential of our iconic brand," Red Robin President and CEO G.J. Hart said in the earnings report.

Red Robin is known not only for its burgers, but for "bottomless" seasoned fries and "bottomless" other side dishes that come with an entree order.