Smokey Bones BBQ abruptly shuts US restaurants after filing for bankruptcy
Smokey Bones is facing closure across multiple locations.
The BBQ chain recently closed its Colonie, NY location on April 28, following the bankruptcy filing of its parent company FAT Brands Inc. earlier this year.
Employees at various locations nationwide were caught off guard by the sudden closures, with some learning about it on the same day as the shutdown.
Other closures on the same day included restaurants in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Rhode Island, with staff being informed on the day of the closures.
Notices posted on the doors of affected locations, such as in Warwick, RI, confirmed the permanent closure of the restaurants.
The closures also impacted the chain’s last remaining restaurant in Michigan and several outposts in Pennsylvania.
Despite previous assurances of business as usual during the restructuring process, all Smokey Bones locations are now listed as closed on the company’s website every day of the week.
FAT Brands Inc. and Twin Hospitality Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January to restructure debt, with plans to keep the restaurants open.
However, the recent closures indicate a more challenging situation for the chain, with operations contracting rather than stabilizing.
The company had already started downsizing in September 2025 by closing 15 underperforming units to focus on stronger locations and streamline operations.
Originally established in 1999 by Darden Restaurants, Smokey Bones began as a BBQ sports bar in Orlando and later expanded into a casual dining chain known for its hickory-smoked meats and fire-grilled dishes.
After reaching approximately 130 locations at its peak, the brand had reduced to 26 locations by 2025 and is now facing further closures as it navigates the challenges of bankruptcy.
