Smokey Bones closures are making waves in the restaurant industry in 2025 as the barbecue chain shutters 15 underperforming locations across the United States. This marks a major shift for a brand that once operated over 100 outlets nationwide but is now focused on a smaller, more profitable footprint under the management of Twin Hospitality, its new parent company.
Why Are Smokey Bones Closures Happening?
Several factors prompted the decision to close numerous Smokey Bones restaurants:
- Underperformance: Approximately 15 restaurants generated insufficient revenue to sustain operations. Of these, 10 closures have already occurred, with the remaining 5 planned to close by the end of 2025’s third fiscal quarter.
- Business Strategy Shift: Smokey Bones was acquired by FAT Brands in 2023, which then restructured it under Twin Hospitality in early 2025. The new business strategy focuses on consolidating resources and increasing profitability.
- Brand Repositioning: Twin Hospitality is converting 19 Smokey Bones locations into Twin Peaks sports bars. These conversions have proven to significantly increase average annual sales per location—around $7.8 million post-conversion compared to about $3.5 million as Smokey Bones.
How Many Smokey Bones Locations Remain?
With the closures and conversions underway, just 26 Smokey Bones restaurants are expected to remain operational across the country. These remaining outlets are reportedly profitable and are planned to continue operating under this focused strategy.
What Happens to Employees and Customers?
- Impact on Staff: Job losses are inevitable in closed locations, a challenging but necessary measure for corporate sustainability. Twin Hospitality has indicated efforts to manage the transitions responsibly.
- Customer Experience: For barbecue enthusiasts, this downsizing is bittersweet. Fans lose neighborhood venues but can anticipate enhanced dining experiences where restaurants remain open or are converted to Twin Peaks, offering a different menu and environment focused on sports bar themes.
New Leadership and Future Outlook
A key part of Smokey Bones’ restructuring is new leadership. Ken Brendemihl, with extensive experience at major chains like California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse, now leads Smokey Bones. His role is to stabilize the brand, improve operations, and guide it through this transition.
The company also plans to adopt FAT Brands’ franchise model more widely for Smokey Bones locations aimed at balancing corporate control with franchisee growth opportunities.
Smokey Bones vs. Twin Peaks: A Corporate Mix
- Smokey Bones: Known for its barbecue classics and specialty cocktails.
- Twin Peaks: Marketed as a higher-grossing sports lodge chain, featuring burgers, wings, and multiple televised sports events.
The pivot towards Twin Peaks reflects a strategic choice to focus on a brand with stronger national traction and better financial performance.
Industry Context: Casual Dining Challenges
Smokey Bones’ closures come amid a wider trend affecting many casual dining chains struggling with shifting consumer preferences, inflationary pressures, and competition from fast-casual restaurants. Nationally, other chains like Hooters have similarly trimmed locations to optimize financial performance and adapt to market realities.
Summary Table: Smokey Bones Closures and Changes (2025)
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Locations (2023) | 60 |
| Underperforming Locations | 15 (10 closed, 5 closing Q3 2025) |
| Locations Converted to Twin Peaks | 19 (2 completed, 3 ongoing) |
| Current Expected Smokey Bones Remaining | 26 |
| Revenue Increase After Conversions | ~$7.8 million/location (Twin Peaks) vs $3.5 million (Smokey Bones) |
Closing Thoughts
Smokey Bones closures highlight the restaurant industry’s rapid evolution in response to changing consumer habits and competitive pressures. While loyal customers may miss familiar barbecue flavors close to home, the company’s focus on profitability and brand efficiency seeks to ensure that the best-loved locations thrive. Fans and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated as Twin Hospitality rolls out further changes and expansions in the rapidly changing dining landscape.
If you have experiences or thoughts about Smokey Bones closures, please share them below. Your input helps paint a fuller picture of this transition.
FAQ
Why is Smokey Bones closing restaurants?
Closures stem from underperforming locations and a strategic shift to focus on more profitable units and expand the Twin Peaks brand.
How many Smokey Bones locations remain open after closures?
Only 26 Smokey Bones locations are expected to remain after all scheduled closures and conversions.
What is happening to converted Smokey Bones restaurants?
They are becoming Twin Peaks sports lodge restaurants, which generally see higher sales and customer engagement.
Disclaimer
This article reflects verified, up-to-date information on Smokey Bones closures and corporate strategy changes as of September 2025. For further developments, official corporate announcements and news outlets should be consulted. Readers are welcome to comment with questions or personal experiences related to Smokey Bones restaurants.Smokey Bones Closures: What’s Behind the Decision and What’s Next for the Barbecue Chain