Red Robin reveals intentions for rest of central Ohio locations after Easton closure
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – After the Red Robin at Easton closed on Sunday amid talks of closures across the country, the chain has revealed its intentions for its remaining central Ohio locations.
Red Robin disclosed this month in its quarterly earnings report that it may shut down around 70 underperforming locations nationwide upon the expiration of their current leases. The company experienced a $54.5 million decline in revenue from 2023 to 2024, and stated the anticipated closures will help repay debt.
The week after Red Robin revealed it was considering shuttering locations across the country, its Easton restaurant, located at 3977 Morse Crossing, permanently closed.
However, the Easton Red Robin will be the only central Ohio location to shut down “at this time,” a spokesperson with the company said. The restaurant chain’s remaining central Ohio locations, including eateries Polaris, Hilliard, Grove City and Pickerington, will remain open.
“We enjoy being part of the local community and look forward to continuing to serve guests at other Columbus-area locations,” the spokesperson said.
NBC4 asked if any other Ohio restaurants outside of the Columbus area will face closures in the foreseeable future, to which the spokesperson responded that the company has “no further information to share.”
In its quarterly earning report, Red Robin said the potential closures are expected over the next five years as leases expire, and that the company is anticipating shuttering 10-15 restaurants this year. Red Robin told NBC4 it is actively working to improve the performance of its underperforming locations, which may reduce closures.
Red Robin, known for its burgers and bottomless steak fries, first opened in Seattle in 1969 and had nearly 500 restaurants as of late 2024 across the United States and British Columbia, Canada.
The chain has restaurants in all but five U.S. states — North Dakota, Wyoming, Mississippi, West Virginia and Vermont. More than 80% of Red Robin locations are company-owned, and the remaining are franchises.