Chamberlains of London – Smokey Bones closures are sending shockwaves through barbecue lovers across the United States. The popular barbecue restaurant chain has begun shutting down multiple underperforming locations as part of a major strategic shift. So far, 15 closures are done or ongoing. Ten locations have already closed. Five more locations are expected to shut down this year. FAT Brands acquired Smokey Bones in 2023. The company manages many well-known restaurant brands globally. Loyal customers feel upset over their favorite smokehouses disappearing. Company leaders call the closures a long-term transformation strategy. Several locations will become Twin Peaks restaurants. Twin Peaks is a sports bar brand also owned by FAT Brands. The dining industry continues to evolve quickly. Experts are watching how these changes affect the brand. Market analysts also monitor the broader industry impact.
FAT Brands is leading the charge behind the Smokey Bones closures after acquiring the chain in 2023. The company plans to scale back the Smokey Bones brand while expanding Twin Peaks, its fast-growing sports bar concept. Executives say the real estate and layout of Smokey Bones stores make them ideal for quick conversion into Twin Peaks locations. According to FAT Brands co-CEO Ken Kuick, this strategy allows them to avoid lengthy construction timelines and capitalize on existing space. Twin Peaks is known for its cabin-style décor, sports-focused environment, and themed waitstaff. With its rising popularity, FAT Brands sees more potential in investing resources there. Some locations already showing strong sales volume have been prioritized for rebranding. The closures and conversions are not random but calculated steps intended to boost overall company performance. This move may be disruptive in the short term but aligns with the brand’s long-term financial goals.
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The rapid expansion of Twin Peaks has become one of the main reasons behind the shrinking presence of Smokey Bones across the country. With high average-unit volumes and a growing customer base, Twin Peaks is now the crown jewel of FAT Brands’ portfolio. Instead of building new Twin Peaks restaurants from the ground up, converting existing Smokey Bones stores offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative. Each conversion saves up to 18 months of development time, allowing quicker entry into key markets. Additionally, Twin Peaks carries broader appeal with its sports bar atmosphere and lifestyle branding. The company believes that many of the same communities that enjoyed barbecue will also embrace the new format. As a result, several locations once associated with slow-smoked meats will now feature flat-screen TVs and ice-cold beer. The strategy reflects the changing preferences of diners, who increasingly seek entertainment-focused dining experiences over traditional restaurant models.
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For many loyal patrons, the sudden string of Smokey Bones closures has been met with disappointment and frustration. Some fans have taken to social media to share their favorite memories at now-closed locations. The restaurant’s signature ribs, brisket, and cornbread have long earned a following, especially in suburban areas. Communities that lost their local Smokey Bones express concern that there are fewer options for family-style barbecue dining.
Local employees are also affected by the closures, although FAT Brands has not released detailed plans for job transitions. While some customers are open to trying Twin Peaks, others feel the chain lacks the charm and comfort of a barbecue joint. The transformation has generated mixed reactions, with some excited about the new look and menu, and others mourning the loss of a long-standing neighborhood favorite. Regardless of sentiment, the closures mark the end of an era for many barbecue fans around the country.
The future of the Smokey Bones brand remains uncertain after the wave of closures. FAT Brands has not announced a total shutdown, but the scale of conversions suggests the brand may be phased out gradually. Remaining restaurants are likely to be evaluated based on performance and location. If they align with FAT Brands’ goals, more conversions could follow.
For now, a handful of Smokey Bones locations will stay open in key regions. Some experts believe the brand could reposition itself as a niche or regional offering, while others expect a complete absorption into the Twin Peaks model. No announcements have been made regarding new openings under the Smokey Bones name. Meanwhile, Twin Peaks is expanding aggressively into new markets, further shifting attention away from its former barbecue sibling. Industry analysts see this as part of a larger trend where underperforming legacy brands give way to newer, faster-growing concepts better suited to modern dining preferences.
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