Smokey Bones shutters multiple locations as bankruptcy redraws the chain
Smokey Bones BBQ abruptly closed several U.S. locations after its parent company FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, with Colonie, NY the first reported shutdown and others in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Rhode Island following. The closures come as the chain’s footprint has been rapidly contracting—from a peak of about 130 locations down to the mid‑20s by 2025—and now appear to be accelerating, despite earlier assurances the brands would remain open during restructuring. The company indicated Chapter 11 would deleverage its balance sheet and support growth, but the latest wave of closures suggests a bleaker path ahead for the brand.
