Well, while rumors about this have been circulating, that doesn’t look like the present situation of the company. Cheddar’s is not going out of business.

If you are a foodie like many of us here, you have probably heard the whispers, seen the posts, or caught wind of the rumor about Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. The big question on everyone’s lips now is, “Is Cheddar’s going out of business?”

So, what’s this rumor about the restaurant chain? What’s the real story behind the headlines and chatter? In this post, we will take you through the ins and outs of this situation. So, is Cheddar’s going out of business? Let’s find out!

About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Before we dive into the heart of the matter, let’s set the table with a bit of background on Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Perhaps that will help you understand the weight of this concern about the company.

Cheddar’s, originally named Cheddar’s Casual Café and later rebranded as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in 2016, has been a popular name in the restaurant scene since its inception in 1979.

Based in Irving, Texas, Cheddar’s carved out its niche by offering hearty meals and comfort foods, all made from scratch. And that is where the name ‘Cheddar’s Scratch’ came from. Think chicken pot pie, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and mouth-watering barbecue ribs smoked right in-house. You bet meals here are always super yummy!

Cheddar’s popularity isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the value and atmosphere it offers. You get a lot without spending a lot – that’s their motto! This approach has led to a substantial footprint across the United States, with the chain operating 186 locations as of late 2023.

But it’s not all been smooth sailing. Recent developments, including the closure of some locations and swirling rumors about the chain’s future, have left many diners and fans of the chain scratching their heads. But what’s really happening? Is Cheddar’s going out of business? Just keep reading!

Is Cheddar’s Going Out of Business?

So, let’s cut to the chase. Is Cheddar’s going out of business, really? Well, the short answer is no – Cheddar’s is not going out of business.

While it’s true that the chain has seen some of its locations close doors, this doesn’t mean the company as a whole is shutting down. In fact, contrary to the swirling rumors, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is still operating robustly in over half the states in the U.S., with plans to expand and open new locations.

They are even actively hiring, with over 1,200 job positions listed as of mid-July 2023. So, if you’re craving those honey-butter croissants, rest assured, Cheddar’s isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Do you need to be bothered by the rumor, ‘Is Cheddar’s going out of business?’ Of course, not. It’s nothing but a mere rumor that should be discarded straight away!

So, Where Did the Rumor Come From?

But where did this whole closure rumor start? It seems to have sprouted from a mix of misunderstanding and a pinch of social media frenzy. A particular post on Facebook set the rumor mill in motion, implying that all Cheddar’s locations were closing after July 23.

However, this post lacked crucial context. The reference to “FH” was actually about a specific location in Fairview Heights, Illinois, not the entire chain. This post, unfortunately, spread like wildfire, leading to widespread confusion and concern among Cheddar’s fans. So, if you hear people asking, ‘Is Cheddar’s going out of business?’ this is where it came from.

All this is a classic case of a small spark turning into a wildfire, demonstrating how easily misinformation can spread in our digital age. However, in the real sense of it, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is not going out of business!

You may also like:

• When Did TWA Go Out of Business?
• Is QVC Going Out of Business?
• Is Pad and Quill Going Out of Business?

Some Cheddar’s Locations Actually Closed

While the rumor of the entire chain closing is unfounded, it’s true that some Cheddar’s locations have indeed shut their doors. For instance, the aforementioned Fairview Heights location in Illinois closed on July 23, and the Kansas City North restaurant in Missouri followed suit in late August.

The reasons behind these closures vary, ranging from underperformance to disagreements between franchise owners and corporate headquarters. However, it’s important to note that these closures aren’t indicative of the chain’s overall health.

In fact, new locations have opened in Tennessee and Utah, with another scheduled in Florida, showing that the company is still in growth mode.

What Did Cheddar’s Say About the Rumor?

Cheddar’s and its parent company, Darden Restaurants, were quick to address the rumors. Kristin Colville, a spokesperson for Darden, clarified that Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is certainly not going out of business.

She emphasized that the closures were isolated incidents and not reflective of the company’s overall state. This response helped to quell the rumors and reassure the chain’s loyal customers that their favorite comfort food spot wasn’t disappearing.

Is Cheddar’s Going Out Of Business – Final Note

So, to wrap this up: “Is Cheddar’s going out of business?” No, they’re not. While it’s true that a few locations have closed, this is typical for any large chain and not a sign that Cheddar’s is completely shutting down.

Right till the time of writing this, Cheddar’s continues to be a beloved spot for many to enjoy homemade comfort food. They aren’t shutting down.

FAQs

Is Cheddar’s Still in Operations?

Yes, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is very much still in operation. Despite the closure of some individual locations, the chain as a whole continues to serve customers across the United States. As of late 2023, Cheddar’s operates 186 locations nationwide.

The company is not only keeping its doors open but also actively expanding, with new restaurants opening and a healthy number of job listings available.

Did Olive Garden Buy Cheddar’s?

Not exactly Olive Garden, but the parent company of Olive Garden, Darden Restaurants, acquired Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

Darden Restaurants is a major player in the dining industry and owns several other well-known chains, including LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille. The acquisition of Cheddar’s by Darden happened in 2017, bringing Cheddar’s into a larger family of restaurant brands.

Is Cheddar’s in Ontario Closing?

Yes, the Cheddar’s Scratch Restaurant in Ontario did close its doors. This closure was part of a plan to make way for a new GetGo gas station, with the project starting in the spring of 2023. It’s important to note that such closures are often based on individual location circumstances and do not reflect the status of the entire chain.

Why Did Cheddar’s Change Their Name?

Cheddar’s underwent a rebranding in 2015, changing its name from Cheddar’s Casual Café to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. This change was made to better reflect the restaurant’s commitment to cooking and preparing its menu items in-house, from scratch.

The new name emphasizes their dedication to quality ingredients and homemade dishes, aligning more closely with the brand’s identity and culinary approach.

How Many Cheddar’s Are There in the US?

As of November 15, 2023, there are 186 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen locations across the United States. Texas has the most significant number of Cheddar’s locations, with 54 restaurants, accounting for roughly 29% of all Cheddar’s locations in the U.S.

This number showcases Cheddar’s substantial presence in the American dining scene and its popularity, especially in some states.