Bloomin' Brands
Per Person
$80–$150
Total Fund
$3 million
Deadline
Oct 31, 2016
Filed
Jan 1, 2016
Consumers alleged Carrabba’s violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by sending promotional text messages without proper consent. Plaintiffs argued customers continued receiving marketing messages after opting out. Bloomin’ Brands denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid prolonged litigation costs. Eligible consumers who received marketing texts during the covered period could file claims online with minimal documentation. Individual payouts became relatively high because claimant participation remained fairly limited compared with larger TCPA settlements.
Individuals who received promotional text messages from Carrabba’s Italian Grill without proper consent qualified for compensation. Eligibility generally covered consumers receiving texts during covered TCPA class periods after attempting opt-outs or without clearly authorizing marketing messages. Class members typically did not require receipts or purchase history. Valid mobile phone numbers formed primary evidence for claims. Plaintiffs alleged Carrabba’s violated federal telemarketing laws through unauthorized SMS advertising practices. The lawsuit claimed consumers continued receiving texts despite revoking consent. Bloomin’ Brands denied wrongdoing yet agreed to settle rather than continue litigation. Because relatively few consumers submitted claims, payouts reportedly exceeded many larger TCPA settlements.