Full Breakdown
Smokey Bones BBQ Chain Shuts Down All U.S. Locations Amid Parent Companies' Bankruptcy
5/2/2026, 2:04:10 AM
Nationwide Closure of All Smokey Bones Restaurants
On Tuesday, April 28 2026, Smokey Bones announced the permanent closure of every remaining restaurant in the United States. Signage at sites in New York, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island and elsewhere indicated the chain’s website listed all locations as “closed” that day.
Background: Ownership Changes and Bankruptcy Filings
Founded by Darden Restaurants in 1999, Smokey Bones was acquired by FAT Brands in 2023 and spun off into Twin Hospitality Group in January 2025. Twin Hospitality planned to rebrand 19 sites as Twin Peaks and close 15 underperformers in September 2025. Both FAT Brands and Twin Hospitality filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2026, citing debt restructuring needs.
Scope of the Shutdown
The chain listed 20 locations as of April 29, including three in New York, six in Pennsylvania, four in Ohio, two each in Massachusetts and Virginia, and one each in Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Indiana and Florida. All were shuttered simultaneously.
Official Statements & Responses
FAT Brands spokeswoman Erin Mandzik said, “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.” Twin Hospitality asserted the brands “will remain open and operating as usual and will continue delivering their signature guest experiences.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Customers reported taped closure notices, recorded phone messages confirming shutdown, and managers who declined comment; social-media posts showed the same signage and frustration over loss of service and inaccessible gift cards.
Criticism: Employee Notification and Gift-Card Issues
Employees at several locations said they learned of closures only on the day of shutdown, receiving no advance warning. Gift-card holders were told the cards are no longer redeemable, though they may file claims in the bankruptcy case.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Twin Hospitality’s claim that the brands would stay open contradicts the observed nationwide closures. Court records list a bankruptcy hearing scheduled for the upcoming Friday, but details on any potential reopening remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We regret to announce that this location has permanently closed its doors as of Tuesday, April 28th. We thank our loyal Guests for many wonderful years.” — Sign on the door, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
- “I can't talk to you,” — Manager at the Lake Ronkonkoma location
- “Sucks when you just picked up gift cards the day before and they don’t mention they’re going out of business,” — Instagram commenter
- “Ah, yes. The new taste of many unemployed people,” — Facebook commenter
What’s Next: Bankruptcy Claims and Legal Proceedings
Gift-card owners may submit claims online in the Chapter 11 case. The bankruptcy hearing slated for Friday will address the restructuring plan for FAT Brands and Twin Hospitality, potentially determining the fate of the Smokey Bones brand and any future asset sales.
