Another long-time Bridgeport restaurant is in the middle of a major renovation project. And this particularly eatery is keeping its doors open to customers as they move forward.

 

According to Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman, Outback Restaurant situated on the Meadowbrook Mall campus in the city was issued a building permit back on June 27. The permit was to do $374,400 worth of work, which doesn’t include some items that will be upgraded in the building that does not require a permit.

 

“It’s not unusual to see franchises to facelifts to their facilities, but this is a substantial one. They’ve done some upgrades in the past, but this is much more extensive than anything they’ve done since they’ve opened up operations,” said Spellman.

 

Outback is about to celebrate its 20^th anniversary in Bridgeport. In fact, Spellman said the restaurant opened in April of 1997.

 

Anyone that has been at the restaurant in recent weeks can clearly see the work taking place. Along with the construction material visible and the equipment, they have a sign letting you know that business will continue to the best that it can. Spellman said he believes people will like what they see when it’s complete.

 

“It’s really a total facelift, but a lot of the improvements are cosmetic. The dining area will see better lighting and be more open, which is something most restaurants and many businesses are going to,” said Spellman. “We see a lot of renovations with a color scheme that brightens up an interior and is open to allow in more sunlight.”

 

Spellman said the fact that a 20-year old business is sinking hundreds of thousands of dollars into a revamp is a good sign for the business and the community. He thinks the recent upgrades of several businesses isn’t a coincidence.

 

“You’re looking at established restaurants like Outback and Buffalo Wild Wings that just did a renovation of more than $300,000. That tells you that, for the most part, dining establishments are still strong in the area and that they’re committed to our market,” said Spellman. “With plenty of other restauarants entering Bridgeport and the region, they’re staying in step with what’s recently arrived or what’s on the way. This is a good sign for sure to have Outback invest in a renovation of this magnitude.”

 

The contractor on the project is Jim St. Clair Construction out of Louisville, KY. Steve Leaseburg of the Outback could not be reached for comment.

 

As for when it should be ready for business under completed renovations that could be soon. A worker at the business said they anticipate the work to be completed by the second week of September. 

 

Editor's Note: Ongoing work on the facade and one of several signs around the Outback announcing they're still open shown above.