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Upscale SouthPark restaurant closes

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An upscale steakhouse at SouthPark Mall and some fast food businesses appear to be among the latest casualties as restaurant patrons reduce spending in a slowing economy.

Morton’s at SouthPark closed Saturday night after four years in business.

In a written statement, the restaurant’s owners blamed sluggish sales.

“I’m shocked,” said customer John Kempisty as he stood outside the empty restaurant Monday evening. “I was here just last week. I’m a regular. I come about once a week. And I’m really surprised that none of the staff said anything.”

Kempisty said he would likely drive to Morton’s Uptown location which remains open.

Other restaurants going dark in recent days include Loop Pizza Grill in the Park Towne Shopping Center and several Back Yard Burger restaurants.

Messages left with representatives of both businesses were not returned Monday.

It’s not clear how many Charlotte restaurants have been hurt by the current economic downturn.

The Charlotte Metropolitan Restaurant Association does not track all openings and closings in the region, said the organization’s president, Nathalie Friedlander.

Restaurant veterans said turnover is not uncommon in Charlotte eateries, even in a booming economy.

“Charlotte is definitely not lacking in the number of restaurants and bars and places for people to go,” said Greg Ruffino, a 12 year restaurant employee, now an Assistant Manager at Ri-Ra’s Pub and Restaurant in Uptown.

Increased competition, a lack of funding, and poor management can lead to a restaurant’s failure, he said.

“It’s just not a winning situation for everyone every time,” said Ruffino.