Pandemic leads to closure of Ponderosa locations

FISHERS, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The Fishers-based owner of several Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurants has closed two of its locations. In a notice to the state, CMR Partners LLP says the restaurants in Indianapolis and Anderson have been shut down due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting some 140 workers.

The restaurants were located at 5009 S. Scatterfield Road in Anderson and 5005 S. Emerson Avenue in Indy. 

The company says the decision was due to the pandemic’s “unexpected and significant impact” to the food service industry.

“More particularly, the sudden and unexpected reduction of business caused by the pandemic coupled with the additional requirements for buffet service restaurants have fundamentally changed the financial feasibility of business operations,” the company said. “While CMR Partners has attempted to adjust to these circumstances and the unpredictable consumer demand that accompanied them, sudden precipitous declines have rendered continued operations – as well as greater notice to employees, infeasible.”

CMR Partners says the closures and layoffs are expected to be permanent.

The company also operates Ponderosa locations in Goshen and Greenfield, as well as Qdoba Mexican Grill locations in Greenfield and Anderson.