MINNEAPOLIS - Seven Old Country Buffet locations in Minnesota will be part of the nationwide closure, announced by the company on Thursday.
Stores in Crystal, Richfield, Fridley, Maplewood, Roseville, Woodbury and West St. Paul are closing due to underperformance.
A press release from Ovation Brands, which was acquired by Food Management Partners in August of last year, states the closures effected 74 locations of Old Country Buffet, Hometown Buffet, Ryan's, Fire Mountain and Country Buffet restaurants throughout the United States.
All stores were to permanently close on Feb. 4.
"Based on ongoing assessments of individual restaurants, it is necessary to shutter locations for the continued viability of the brands and our employees," the press release states.
While the closures mean a large number of employees are out of work, the vice president of business development for Ovation Brands says employees will be given opportunities to apply for positions at other currently operating stores.
