DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2024
HONOLULU – The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is alerting Hawaiʻi consumers who possess unredeemed Outback Steakhouse gift cards to take immediate action and request refunds.
Following the closure of all Outback Steakhouse locations in Hawaiʻi, these gift cards are no longer valid for local use. Consumers are urged to initiate their refund claims without delay.
Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, had previously announced the closure of 41 restaurants across the U.S. and internationally in late 2023. Subsequently, the Hawaiʻi Kai and Kīhei Outback Steakhouse restaurants ceased operations. Adding to the impact, the remaining Hawaiʻi locations in Kapolei, Waipiʻo, and Kona unexpectedly closed their doors on February 18, 2024. This swift turn of events has left Outback Gift Cards in the hands of consumers with limited options, making the refund process crucial.
Executive Director Mana Moriarty of the Office of Consumer Protection advises, “A key piece of advice regarding gift cards is to use them promptly. Restaurant closures or bankruptcies can leave consumers with little to no recourse to recover any remaining balance on their cards. While there isn’t currently a set deadline for refund claims, we strongly encourage all affected consumers holding Outback gift cards to start the refund process as quickly as possible.”
Hawaiʻi residents seeking refunds for their valid Outback gift cards with verifiable balances should reach out to Bloomin’ Brands via email at [email protected]. When contacting them, please provide images of both the front and back of your Outback gift cards, along with your full name and complete mailing address. To ensure your request is properly tracked, consumers are also advised to include Pam Keay ([email protected]), an investigator at the Office of Consumer Protection, in their email communication to Bloomin’ Brands.
For any further inquiries or concerns, consumers can contact Investigator Pam Keay directly for assistance. If scanning capabilities are limited, consumers are welcome to seek guidance from Investigator Keay on how to email the necessary information to Bloomin’ Brands. Investigator Keay can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 808-586-5971.
