Why Smokey Bones Is Closing Restaurants and Converting Into Twin Peaks

Smokey Bones is closing more restaurants across the United States. The barbecue chain once had over 100 locations. Soon, only 26 will remain open.

The decision comes after the company’s new owner, Twin Hospitality, reviewed store performance. Fifteen underperforming restaurants are being shut down. Ten are already closed, and the final five will shut their doors by the end of the third quarter.

Why Smokey Bones Closing Plans Began

Smokey Bones was bought by Fat Brands in 2023. The company later merged it with Twin Peaks under a new group called Twin Hospitality. The goal was to cut costs and boost profits.

Twin Hospitality confirmed that some Smokey Bones locations simply were not earning enough. The company said the weaker stores will close. Some sites will be turned into Twin Peaks sports bars, which bring in more sales.

According to the company, a Smokey Bones location earned about $3.5 million on average. A converted Twin Peaks location has made about $7.8 million each year. That big difference led to the decision to convert 19 restaurants.

The Impact on Workers and Customers

The closures affect not only customers but also staff. Workers in the closed restaurants face job losses. For customers, favorite menu items like ribs and pulled pork may no longer be available in their area.

Twin Hospitality said two conversions are already complete, including one in Lakeland, Florida. Another is expected before the end of 2025. These new sports bar sites focus on burgers, wings, and wall-to-wall TVs.

For long-time fans, it marks the end of a familiar chain. But the company insists the move is needed for long-term success. The remaining Smokey Bones restaurants are expected to keep operating with “positive cash flow.”

Future of Smokey Bones Under New Leadership

Twin Hospitality also named a new leader for Smokey Bones. Ken Brendemihl, who has decades of experience at chains like California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse, is now president.

The company says his role will be to guide Smokey Bones through a period of change. He will focus on stabilizing the brand while conversions and closures continue.

Industry experts note this is part of a wider trend. Many casual dining chains face challenges as customers shift to faster, cheaper dining options. Chains like Hooters have also closed stores recently.

Smokey Bones is closing because many locations were not profitable. The company is shifting focus to its stronger brand, Twin Peaks. The change means fewer barbecue outlets, but more sports bars under the same corporate owner.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Smokey Bones closing locations?

Smokey Bones is closing locations because many stores were underperforming. The brand was not bringing in enough revenue compared to other concepts.

Q2: How many Smokey Bones restaurants are left?

After the closures, only 26 Smokey Bones restaurants will remain open nationwide. The rest will either close or be converted into Twin Peaks.

Q3: Which company owns Smokey Bones now?

Smokey Bones is owned by Fat Brands through its new group Twin Hospitality. This group also controls Twin Peaks and other restaurants.

Q4: What happens to the closed Smokey Bones locations?

Some will close for good. Others will be converted into Twin Peaks sports bars, which are earning double the revenue compared to Smokey Bones.

Q5: Who is leading Smokey Bones now?

The new president is Ken Brendemihl. He has worked with Texas Roadhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, and other national chains.