Smokey Bones quietly rising in smoke.
The barbecue chain closed its Colony, New York, location abruptly on April 28, part of a fast-moving wave of closures sweeping the country after its parent company, FAT Brands Inc., filed a lawsuit. filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.
Colony’s closure came without warning, one employee said News 10 Employees learned of the closure the same day — a pattern repeated at multiple sites nationwide as workers were caught off guard by last-minute notices.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Rhode Island also closed on the same day. Employees in several states said they were told the morning of the closures that operations would end immediately.
“We regret to announce that this location has permanently closed its doors effective Tuesday, April 28,” said a notice taped to the door of the branch’s Warwick, Rhode Island location. Go to your local county.
The surprise sweep included the chain’s last remaining restaurant in Michigan and several outposts in Pennsylvania, signaling a profound decline for the once-expansive brand.
Despite previous assurances that business would continue as usual during the restructuring period, Smokey Bones Website It now lists all locations as closed seven days a week, raising new questions about the future of the chain.
FAT Brands Inc. and its operating arm Twin Hospitality Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Jan. 26, a move aimed at restructuring debt while keeping restaurants open. the people Reports.
“Twin Hospitality plans to use the placements to reduce the balance sheet, maximize value for stakeholders, and support the continued growth of its brands,” the company said in a statement at the time.
“Throughout the Chapter 11 process, Twin Hospitality expects the brands to remain open and operating as usual and will continue to deliver outstanding guest experiences.”
But the latest closures point to a more turbulent reality on the ground, where operations are rapidly shrinking rather than stabilizing.
The company had already begun reducing its footprint months ago.
In September 2025, it said it closed 15 “underperforming units” while it tried to focus on stronger-performing locations and streamline operations.
Founded in 1999 by Darden Restaurants, Smokey Bones began as a sports barbecue joint in Orlando, Florida before expanding into a casual dining chain known for its smoked meats and fire-grilled dishes.
The restaurant grew rapidly in its early years, reaching nearly 130 locations at its peak years before cutbacks shrunk its footprint.
By 2025, the brand had already been reduced to 26 locations, down from about 60 previously — and is now shrinking even faster as the chain struggles to stay afloat in bankruptcy.