Popular BBQ Chain Downsizing From 120 Locations to 11 This Year

The restaurant business isn't an easy one, and now, one popular BBQ restaurant chain is downsizing from 120 locations to just 11 this year, according to a report.

It's a disappointing thing to see a restaurant close its doors, especially if it's a place that the community has enjoyed going to for years or decades. But, according to a CNBC report from December 2025, it's a common thing, and nine major chains closed at least a handful of restaurants last year.

So, that trend is continuing in 2026. Now, Smokey Bones, a restaurant chain that once had 120 locations across the country, is slated to close more restaurants, according to a report from Tasting Table.

Beloved Steak and Burger Restaurant Shutting Down Locations, Going From 120 to 11, Report States

Smokey Bones, popular for its custom hickory-smoked barbecue, at one point had 120 restaurants across the U.S., but that's shrinking.

"We certainly thought it was long gone after 2007, when 56 units across the U.S. were shut down, leaving only 73 open," Tasting Table states in their report. "In 2025, the problems continued and the company announced that it's closing 15 of its locations that aren't performing well. It was also reported that 19 Smokey Bones locations would be converted into Twin Peaks restaurants that operate under the same company."

They add, "Essentially, this will leave 11 restaurants open, though, at the time of writing, the official website lists 20 operating locations."

So, as of right now, Smokey Bones' official website says there are 20 operating locations throughout the country. But, if they follow the guidelines that they announced last year, it appears that number will eventually be 11, according to the report.

Regardless, the restaurant's official website remains optimistic, stating, "At Smokey Bones, we specialize in three things: good food, good drinks, and good times.

They add, "We are a bar and fire grill, but not necessarily in that order. We are grill masters who respect the power of the open flame. We like simple, yet flavorful recipes and believe marinating is not to be taken lightly."

Elsewhere, they state that they're "big fans of sports, loud music, and surprises. And we believe in laughing often, especially at ourselves."