Smokey Bones closures are now reshaping the casual dining landscape as the well-known barbecue chain undergoes major changes under its new parent company, Twin Hospitality. The company has confirmed a round of shutdowns and conversions aimed at improving profitability and positioning its restaurant brands for the future.
The decision marks a pivotal moment for Smokey Bones, once a widespread name in the American barbecue scene. With leadership shifts and a new business model in play, many longtime diners are watching closely to see what these changes mean for their local restaurants.
New Leadership Guides the Transition
Earlier this year, Twin Hospitality appointed Ken Brendemihl as the new President of Smokey Bones. Brendemihl, a seasoned executive with prior experience at major restaurant groups including Velvet Taco, Texas Roadhouse, and California Pizza Kitchen, brings decades of leadership in the casual dining sector.
His appointment is part of a larger restructuring plan designed to strengthen operations, cut costs, and improve earnings across both Smokey Bones and its sister brand, Twin Peaks. The timing of the leadership change aligns directly with the chain’s most significant transformation to date: the closures of underperforming locations and conversions to more profitable concepts.
Scope of the Smokey Bones Closures
The restructuring involves the closure of 15 Smokey Bones restaurants nationwide. Of these, ten locations have already shut their doors, while five more are scheduled to close by the end of the company’s third fiscal quarter.
These closures were chosen based on performance, with the focus placed on reducing overhead costs and eliminating underperforming units. According to company figures, this streamlining effort is expected to cut approximately $1.5 million in annual corporate expenses, a move intended to boost the brand’s overall financial health.
Conversions to Twin Peaks
Alongside the closures, Twin Hospitality has announced that 19 Smokey Bones locations will be converted to Twin Peaks, a sports lodge-themed restaurant brand that has been showing stronger revenue performance. Two conversions have already been completed and are now operating as Twin Peaks locations, with a third expected to open later this year.
The early results of these conversions are striking. On average, Smokey Bones locations being converted generated around $3.5 million in annual revenue. Once rebranded as Twin Peaks, the same locations are achieving closer to $7.8 million annually, more than doubling performance. This revenue growth is a primary driver behind the company’s decision to expand Twin Peaks at the expense of Smokey Bones.
Current Smokey Bones Footprint
Once the closures and conversions are completed, Smokey Bones will retain 26 operating restaurants across the United States. This is a significant reduction compared to the chain’s size before the spin-off from FAT Brands, when it operated close to 60 locations.
The remaining restaurants are concentrated east of the Mississippi River, with locations in states such as Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, and Illinois. These restaurants continue to perform profitably, with average unit volumes ranging between $1.3 million and $7.1 million annually. Collectively, the core group of Smokey Bones locations contributes around $3 million in EBITDA over the trailing twelve months.
Why the Closures Are Happening Now
The closures and conversions are part of a broader effort by Twin Hospitality to simplify operations and focus resources on its most profitable ventures. For Smokey Bones, the restaurant industry’s challenges—including rising labor costs, inflationary pressures on food, and shifting consumer dining habits—made it increasingly difficult to maintain weaker locations.
By reducing its footprint and redirecting capital into Twin Peaks, the company is betting on a higher-growth concept with a stronger national draw. At the same time, the remaining Smokey Bones outlets will form a leaner, more sustainable chain that can continue to serve loyal customers without the burden of struggling units.
Key Takeaways From the Smokey Bones Closures
- 15 Smokey Bones restaurants are closing, with 10 already shut and 5 more scheduled.
- 19 locations are being converted to Twin Peaks, with 2 already reopened under the new brand.
- 26 Smokey Bones restaurants will remain open, focused on profitable markets east of the Mississippi.
- Conversions are showing strong results, nearly doubling revenue compared to their previous Smokey Bones operations.
- Cost savings of about $1.5 million annually are expected from eliminating underperforming locations.
- Ken Brendemihl, the new president, is leading the restructuring and future strategy.
What This Means for Customers
For longtime Smokey Bones fans, the closures are bittersweet news. While some communities are losing their local restaurant, others may see their location transformed into a Twin Peaks, offering a different style of dining experience.
Customers in cities where Smokey Bones remains open can expect a renewed focus on service, quality, and profitability. With fewer locations, the company intends to ensure each remaining restaurant receives the resources and attention needed to succeed.
Looking Ahead
The closures mark one of the most significant shifts in Smokey Bones’ history. By slimming down and rebranding many locations, Twin Hospitality is signaling a new chapter for the chain. Whether this transformation strengthens Smokey Bones’ long-term prospects or further diminishes its presence remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the company is prioritizing profitability, efficiency, and growth under its new leadership. Fans of the barbecue brand will be watching closely to see if the leaner Smokey Bones can thrive in today’s highly competitive dining market.
Smokey Bones closures are not just about shutting doors—they are about redefining the future of the brand. With bold decisions, significant conversions, and a smaller but more sustainable footprint, the chain is setting the stage for what comes next in the ever-changing U.S. restaurant industry.
What’s your take on these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if your local Smokey Bones is one of the restaurants affected.