Smokey Bones closures: What customers need to know

Smokey Bones, the popular barbecue chain known for its flame-grilled dishes, is undergoing major changes in 2025. Under its new parent company, Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the brand is closing multiple restaurants, converting others into Twin Peaks lodges, and introducing new leadership to guide the next chapter.

The announcement has left longtime fans wondering: how many Smokey Bones locations are shutting down, and what does this mean for the chain’s future? Here’s a breakdown of the changes.

Fifteen Smokey Bones Restaurants Are Closing

Smokey Bones had 60 locations in 2023 when FAT Brands acquired the chain. By January 2025, Twin Hospitality took over, conducting a review of its performance. The results were clear: 15 restaurants were deemed underperforming and placed on the closure list.

Of those, 10 have already closed, and the remaining five will shut down before the end of the third fiscal quarter. Twin Hospitality has not yet released a detailed list of the affected locations, leaving many customers uncertain about whether their local Smokey Bones will remain open.

In a press release, CEO Kim Boerema acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that the closures were part of a “full spending review” to strengthen the company’s long-term financial health.

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Nineteen Locations to Become Twin Peaks Restaurants

While some Smokey Bones restaurants are closing for good, others are getting a new lease on life. Twin Hospitality announced plans to convert 19 Smokey Bones locations into Twin Peaks sports lodge restaurants.

The company has already completed two conversions, with another currently underway. Early results suggest the move is paying off: converted locations are averaging $7.8 million in annual sales, more than double the $3.5 million average unit volume (AUV) of Smokey Bones restaurants.

Executives say this shift reflects consumer demand for sports-themed dining experiences, which have outperformed casual barbecue concepts in recent years. By rebranding under the Twin Peaks model, Twin Hospitality aims to maximize revenue while reusing existing real estate.

What Will Remain of the Smokey Bones Brand?

Once the restructuring is complete, only 26 Smokey Bones locations will remain nationwide. While that represents a drastic reduction from its 2023 footprint, Twin Hospitality insists these units are “generating positive cash flow” and will be supported moving forward.

The company also revealed plans to begin franchising some of the remaining restaurants, creating a mix of corporate-owned and franchise-operated units. According to the press release, this strategy, similar to FAT Brands’ other models, could “unlock additional growth potential for the brand” while keeping costs under control.

For customers, this means that Smokey Bones is not disappearing entirely but will become a much smaller, more focused operation. The barbecue chain may also reemerge in new markets under franchise ownership, though details are still forthcoming.

Leadership Change and What It Means for Customers

Alongside the closures, Twin Hospitality introduced Ken Brendemihl as the new president of Smokey Bones. With decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Brendemihl will oversee operations, profitability, and future growth.

CEO Kim Boerema praised his leadership, saying he will “step in immediately bringing his deep operational expertise and proven track record to lead Smokey Bones into its next chapter.” For diners, this leadership shift signals that Smokey Bones is not only restructuring but also preparing for a strategic reboot.

The Bottom Line for Barbecue Fans

For fans of Smokey Bones, the news is bittersweet. While 15 locations are closing and 19 will disappear under the Twin Peaks conversion, the brand is not going away completely. The remaining 26 restaurants will continue to serve customers, and franchising may bring new openings in the future.

Still, the closures highlight the challenges facing casual dining chains in a competitive restaurant market. As Twin Hospitality pivots toward its stronger-performing Twin Peaks brand, Smokey Bones enthusiasts may need to travel farther to enjoy their favorite ribs, wings, and grilled favorites.