Smokey Bones abruptly closes locations as NY closure sparks wave of surprise shutdowns

• Restaurants in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Rhode Island shuttered simultaneously, with employees learning the morning of closures that operations were ending immediately
• The chain's website now lists all locations as closed every day of the week, despite FAT Brands stating in January that restaurants would 'remain open and operating as usual' during bankruptcy proceedings
• Smokey Bones has rapidly contracted from roughly 130 locations at its peak to 26 by 2025, with 15 'underperforming units' already closed in September 2025 before this latest wave of shutdowns

Smokey Bones Faces Mass Closures Amid Bankruptcy Restructuring

Smokey Bones BBQ chain is experiencing widespread shutdowns following parent company FAT Brands Inc.'s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on January 26, 2025. Multiple locations across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Rhode Island abruptly closed on April 28, with employees receiving same-day notification.

Key Developments:

The Colonie, NY location closure exemplified the sudden nature of shutdowns, with staff learning of permanent closure the morning of April 28. A notice at the Warwick, RI branch confirmed the permanent closure, while the chain's website now lists all locations as closed daily, raising questions about viability.

Company Background:

• Founded in 1999 by Darden Restaurants in Orlando, FL
• Peak operations: approximately 130 locations
• Reduced to 26 locations by 2025, down from 60 previously
• Closed 15 "underperforming units" in September 2025

Bankruptcy Context:

Both FAT Brands Inc. and operating subsidiary Twin Hospitality Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. Twin Hospitality initially stated the filing would "deleverage the balance sheet" and "support continued growth," promising restaurants would "remain open and operating as usual."

Market Implications:

The rapid closure pace contradicts earlier assurances of business continuity during restructuring, suggesting deeper operational and financial challenges than initially disclosed. The chain's last Michigan location and multiple Pennsylvania outposts shuttered simultaneously, indicating aggressive contraction rather than stabilization.

The situation highlights ongoing pressures in the casual dining sector, particularly for debt-burdened multi-brand operators struggling with post-pandemic operational challenges and changing consumer preferences.