Smokey Bones, the popular barbecue restaurant chain, has suddenly shut down all of its remaining locations across the United States as of April 28, 2026.
The closures came without significant advance notice to employees or customers. Many locations posted simple paper signs on their doors stating that the restaurant had “permanently closed” and thanking guests for their patronage over the years. A company spokesperson, Erin Mandzik, confirmed: “As of yesterday, April 28, 2026, all Smokey Bones locations have ceased operations.”
The chain’s official website now shows every location as closed, with online ordering, reservations, and waitlist features no longer functioning.
Background and Bankruptcy Context
Smokey Bones was originally part of Darden Restaurants before being acquired by FAT Brands Inc. in 2023. In early 2025, the brand was spun off into a separate public company called Twin Hospitality Group Inc., which also owns the Twin Peaks sports bar and restaurant chain.
Twin Hospitality had previously announced plans to optimize its portfolio by closing underperforming Smokey Bones locations and converting others into Twin Peaks restaurants. In summer 2025, the company said it would close 15 locations and convert 19 more.
The situation worsened in January 2026 when both FAT Brands and Twin Hospitality Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to restructure their finances. Additional closures followed the filings, culminating in the full shutdown of all remaining Smokey Bones restaurants this week.
Impact on Employees and Customers
Reports from multiple states indicate that employees often received little or no warning. For example, staff at some locations learned of the closure on the same day it took effect. Customers were also caught off guard, with some expressing frustration over recently purchased gift cards that may now be difficult to redeem.
The abrupt shutdown affected dozens of restaurants in states including New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, Indiana, and Florida.
As of now, it remains unclear whether any Smokey Bones locations could reopen in the future or if the brand will be sold or revived during the bankruptcy process.
The focus appears to have shifted entirely toward Twin Hospitality’s other concepts.
This marks the end of operations for a chain that once operated dozens of locations known for its smoked meats, barbecue, and casual dining atmosphere.