Popular BBQ chain Smokey Bones is no more after locations nationwide closed for good.
“As of yesterday, April 28, 2026, all Smokey Bones locations have ceased operations. On behalf of Management, it has been a privilege to serve our customers,” spokesperson Erin Mandzik told USA TODAY.
Local reports out of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, Indiana and Florida, 10 of the 15 states Smoke Bones’ website previously listed as home to at least 30 restaurants, confirmed sudden closures that surprised customers and employees alike this week.
Restaurant-goers shared images of stores with notices on the door, many of which read the same as one shared with USA TODAY by a reader in Virginia Beach.
“We regret to announce that this location has permanently closed its doors as of Tuesday, April 28,” said the paper sign. “We thank our loyal guests for many wonderful years.”
A manager for Illinois’ sole location told the Springfield State Journal-Register, part of the USA TODAY Network, that its 20 employees had only been notified of the store’s permanent closure on Tuesday, the same day it shuttered. Similar reports of little to no warning to staffers have emerged from multiple states.
Mandzik did not respond to USA TODAY’s questions about staff notifications.
In January, FAT Brands Inc., the global parent company behind Smokey Bones and dozens of food chains like Fazoli’s and Fatburger, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
All Smokey Bones locations listed as ‘closed’ every day
All Smokey Bones locations are listed as “closed” every day of the week on the brand’s website. Attempting to order from any of the locations via the still-present takeout and delivery buttons leads to non-functioning order forms and the pages for making reservations and joining waitlists return “page not found” errors.
The most recent posts on the brand’s social media pages, from April 23, teased a new, upcoming menu. Many comments beneath the posts on Instagram and Facebook were about the closures.
“Sucks when you just picked up gift cards the day before and they don’t mention they’re going out of business,” said an Instagram comment, one of many concerned about refunding gift certificates after the sudden closure.
“Ah, yes. The new taste of many unemployed people,” one Facebook commenter quipped. “A new taste?? When you just shut down all your stores?” agreed another.
Bankruptcy may be behind store closures
Originally owned by Darden Restaurants Inc., Smokey Bones was acquired as a 60-unit group by FAT Brands Inc. in 2023 and was spun off into Twin Hospitality Group Inc., a public company that owned adult bar Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, in January 2025.
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