Story perspectives

Smokey Bones Closes All 20 Locations After Chapter 11

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 28, 2026, all Smokey Bones barbecue restaurants shut down nationwide within hours.
The chain closed its 20 remaining locations in 10 states, and its website now shows all sites closed.
The shutdown followed Chapter 11 filings by parent companies FAT Brands Inc. and Twin Hospitality Group Inc. in January 2026.
Employees and gift-card holders were given no notice and were told the cards are non-redeemable but can file claims.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Sbarro filed Chapter 11, closing about 200 U.S. sites and approving a $200 million restructuring plan, a pattern echoed when FAT Brands’ Smokey Bones shuttered its 20 remaining restaurants in April 2026, leaving gift-card balances unredeemed. These closures revive concerns first raised after the 2009 Credit Card Act and the trend of companies using Chapter 11 to cut liabilities, prompting lawmakers to consider tighter gift-card redemption rules.

1 of 2

Story summary

On April 28, 2026, all Smokey Bones barbecue restaurants shut down nationwide within hours.
The chain closed its 20 remaining locations in 10 states, and its website now shows all sites closed.
The shutdown followed Chapter 11 filings by parent companies FAT Brands Inc. and Twin Hospitality Group Inc. in January 2026.
Employees and gift-card holders were given no notice and were told the cards are non-redeemable but can file claims.

1 / 2