Steak 'n Shake to close 57 locations

PERKINS TWP. — As restaurants prepare to reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic, 57 locations of one national chain will never open again. According to USA Today, Steak 'n Shake plans to keep 51 company-owned stores and six franchises permanently closed after the sales dropped by $61 million when compared to 2019. The Indianapolis-based restaurant chain said the closures and losses were a result of the pandemic and the forced closure of dining rooms. After the closings, Steak 'n Shake will have 553 restaurants across the country. The company hasn't released which locations will close, but at this time it would appear the Steak 'n Shake on Milan Road near Great Wolf Lodge will not be among the closures since its website lists the Sandusky location as temporarily closed. The Sandusky location hasn't offered pick-up or delivery since Gov. Mike DeWine ordered an end to dine-in services at restaurants. A note on the restaurant's door states the following: "We have decided to close this Steak 'n Shake location, which is being designated for a Franchise Partner. We will be renovating by installing new equipment to improve our speed and customer service. This location will re-open under new franchise ownership." Steak 'n Shake's corporate office didn't return calls for clarification or comment.