The Steak ’n Shake restaurant, 1567 W. Fifth St., in Eureka shuttered its doors after midnight Tuesday (May 7), according to an employee who asked not to be named.
The employee said the restaurant will remain closed unless a franchisee can be found.
Judy Kadylak, Steak ’n Shake senior vice president of marketing, did not return a call for comment.
The Eureka restaurant is the latest in a recent rash of Steak ’n Shakes closings around the St. Louis area. At least 11 other restaurants reportedly have closed in the region this year.
Indianapolis-based Steak ’n Shake is owned by Biglari Holdings Inc. of Texas. According to Biglari’s first quarter report, published March 31, a total of 44 restaurants were temporarily closed until franchise partners can be found for them.
The report said 367 restaurants were open, which is down from 413 that were operating at the end of 2018.
The Steak ’n Shake website is advertising for franchise partners. The company asks for a $10,000 investment and will split restaurant profits 50/50 with the franchise partner.