A long-running U.S. steakhouse chain has closed dozens of locations as rising labour costs, higher food prices and changing consumer demand continue to put pressure on the restaurant industry, contributing to a wider wave of closures across the casual dining sector.
Rising Costs Hit Restaurant Industry
Restaurants across the United States are facing sustained financial pressure from increased labour costs andrising food prices, particularly for beef-based menus. Recent data shows beef prices have climbed significantly in recent months, pushing up menu costs and reducing affordability for diners.
As a result, some steakhouses have reported lower customer traffic, leading to reduced revenues and operational strain across multiple brands. Industry analysts say these combined pressures are forcing operators to reassess their physical locations and overall business models.
Claim Jumper Closes San Bernardino Location
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar, a 49-year-old dining chain, has closed its San Bernardino, California location, marking its 41st restaurant closure since 2010. The restaurant, which first opened in 1999, was quietly shut down on June 23, with signage at the entrance thanking customers for their support.
The company has removed the location from its official website and has not issued a detailed explanation for the closure. At its peak, Claim Jumper operated dozens of locations across multiple U.S. states, but its footprint has steadily reduced over the past decade.
Remaining Locations And Operations
Following the latest closure, the chain now operates a small number of remaining standalone restaurants in California and Oregon. These include locations in Costa Mesa, Buena Park, San Diego and Tualatin.
In addition, parent company Landry’s Inc. operates several branded CJ restaurant concepts inside casino properties in Nevada.
Broader Wave Of Steakhouse Closures
Claim Jumper is not the only steakhouse brand affected by current industry pressures. Other chains, including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, and Quaker Steak & Lube, have also closed multiple locations in recent months.
Outback Steakhouse’s parent company has also announced a series of closures, citing lease expirations and operational restructuring. These trends reflect wider challenges in the casual dining sector as costs rise and consumer spending patterns shift.
Company Background And Industry Shift
Claim Jumper was founded in California in 1977 and expanded to dozens of locations before entering bankruptcy proceedings in 2010. The brand was later acquired by Landry’s Inc., which continues to operate a reduced number of locations alongside casino-based restaurant concepts.
Industry analysts note that many legacy restaurant chains are now operating with smaller footprints as competition and costs intensify.
Outlook For Casual Dining Chains
The restaurant sector continues to face pressure from inflation, changing consumer behaviour and rising operational expenses. Operators are increasingly focusing on fewer, higher-performing locations while closing underperforming sites to maintain profitability.
Further consolidation across the casual dining industry is expected as companies adjust to ongoing economic challenges.
