Major BBQ Chain Abruptly Closes All Locations After 27 Years
In late April, the major BBQ chain Smokey Bones abruptly closed the last of its locations after 27 years in business, surprising both custoemrs and employees.
www.moneydigest.comHere’s the latest on Smokey Bones closures, based on recent reporting.
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Summary: Smokey Bones, the barbecue chain owned by Fat Brands and later part of Twin Hospitality, has undergone significant closures in 2025–2026 as part of bankruptcy-related restructurings. Reports indicate the brand reduced its footprint through closures and conversions, with some sources suggesting nationwide reductions and, in some timelines, complete shutdown of remaining locations. The scope and timing of closures have varied by report, with some outlets noting dozens of closures and others indicating a broader strategic overhaul under Fat Brands/Twin Hospitality.[1][2][3][5][9]
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Context and factors:
- Financial restructuring: Fat Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2026, impacting Smokey Bones among other brands, and prompting planned closures as part of portfolio optimization.[2][1]
- Conversions to Twin Peaks: A number of Smokey Bones locations were being converted to Twin Peaks as part of the parent company's strategy to focus on higher-margin concepts. This contributed to the decreasing Smokey Bones footprint.[3][2]
- Proliferation of closures: Reports through 2025–2026 show multiple rounds of closures at Smokey Bones, with some outlets reporting hundreds of stores across the brand ecosystem affected by the restructuring. Specific numbers vary by source and over time.[5][9][3]
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Current status (as of May 2026): Several outlets note that Smokey Bones had a markedly smaller footprint than in its peak years, with ongoing changes tied to the restructuring. Some outlets have reported that the chain had shifted away from a large national presence, while others indicate more complete shutdowns or transitions under new ownership pipelines. Given the evolving nature of bankruptcies and asset sales, exact counts can differ by source and date.[4][8][1]
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What this means for customers:
- If you’re seeking Smokey Bones locations, expect many closures and potential conversions in your area; check local listings or the brand’s current site for any remaining open units or notices about conversions.[1][3]
- For those relying on Smokey Bones for employment or operations, note that employment changes have accompanied the restructuring, with staff reductions or realignments likely as locations close or convert.[2][5]
Illustration: A quick mental map of the trend shows Smokey Bones in decline from a historically wider footprint to a smaller, more selective set of locations, with many units either closed or converted to Twin Peaks as part of a portfolio optimization strategy.[3][1][2]
Would you like a concise, location-by-location update for your area (Los Angeles) or a short timeline of key events and closures by date? I can pull the most recent verifiable details and summarize them for you.
Citations:
- Smokey Bones closure and bankruptcy context:[1]
- Closures and conversions to Twin Peaks:[2]
- 2025–2026 closure updates and scope:[5][3]
- Notable status in 2026 and broader restructuring:[9]