Ryan's closes in Enterprise, Dothan

On Thursday, Feb. 4, Ryan's Family Steakhouse locations in Enterprise and Dothan were found by customers and employees to be closed without any warning.

The statement on the door of the Enterprise location reads: "To our valued guests, this location is now CLOSED. Thank you for your business and we hope to serve you at another location very soon. Please visit ryans.com to find your nearest location."

Ryan's is owned and operated by Food Management Partners, who bought the original managing company Ovation Brands in August 2015.

"Since that time, we have continued to execute former management’s operating plan to stabilize and enhance the performance of the company," Peter Donbavand, vice president of business development for Ovation Brands said in a statement regarding the restaurant closing. "However, based on ongoing assessments of individual restaurants, it is necessary to shutter locations for the continued viability of the brands and our employees."

According to the statement, 74 "underperforming" restaurants were closed permanently on Feb. 4. The remaining restaurants will continue to operate.

"Although the overall number of employees affected by closures is large, employees of closed restaurants will be given the opportunity to apply for positions at operating stores, and we expect many to take advantage of that opportunity," Donbavand said. "Additionally, we will be adding staff to the operating restaurants, enabling us to provide the service levels our guests expect and deserve.

"We know that these decisions are not easy, however, we strongly believe that this direction is best for the long-term health of all brands."

On the restaurant chain's website, there is a Frequently Asked Questions sheet specifically focused on the restaurants that were closed.

According to the site, restaurants were closed because they were "not performing financially in a manner that allows us to remain open for business."

Employees from the closed locations will receive their paychecks in the mail at the address on file. They will be delivered "in accordance to state laws," according to the FAQ sheet.

Employees should receive their paychecks "on or before the next scheduled payday." For any employees that are unsure of the information on file for them, they can email [email protected].

If employees do not receive their final paycheck or benefit packet in the next 14 days, they are asked to email the Human Resources Department at the email mentioned above.

Employees can also expect to receive a separation packet in the mail. Current benefits will continue until the end of the month. According to the FAQ sheet, employees can choose to receive benefits through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).