Barbecue fans in Michigan are seeing fewer options as a once-popular chain continues to scale back operations nationwide. The closures come as part of a broader restructuring effort tied to bankruptcy filing from its parent company, which occurred in late January 2026. Smokey Bones shrinking Smokey Bones is a casual dining barbecue chain known for its slow-smoked meats, grilled favorites, and sports bar-style atmosphere. [...]
Nashville-style chicken chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following pandemic popularity
A fast-growing Nashville hot chicken concept that began as a pandemic-era food truck is seeking bankruptcy protection after only a few years in operation. What began as a food truck in New York quickly expanded to standalone restaurants, but unfortunately the growth couldn't be sustained financially. Rapid growth after pandemic launch Hen House Nashville Hot Chicken was launched in 2021 by founder Sal Andolina in [...]
Decades-old Northern California brewpub chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
A longtime Northern California brewpub chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it seeks to restructure its finances and stabilize operations. The casual dining brand, known for its pizza, beer and pub-style menu, has been a fixture in the Sacramento region for decades. Bankruptcy filing announced The operator of the Northern California casual dining chain Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse has filed for Chapter 11 [...]
Wealthy California town set to close its only fast-food chain restaurant after nearly 60 years
A longtime fast-food landmark in California’s Wine Country is preparing to serve its final root beer floats. The A&W restaurant in St. Helena, located at 501 Main Street, will close on March 31, ending nearly six decades of operation in the Napa Valley town. The drive-thru restaurant first opened in 1966 and has remained a nostalgic local staple known for its burgers and frosted mugs of root beer. A [...]
Los Angeles County’s oldest restaurant closes after nearly 140 years
The historic Original Saugus Cafe, widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Los Angeles County, closed its doors in early 2026 after nearly a century and a half of serving the Santa Clarita community. Lawsuits and disputed contracts complicate issues, while locals are mourning the loss of a truly historic establishment. Historic cafe shuts down after nearly 140 years Original Saugus Cafe [...]
California restaurant owner behind Fatburger and Round Table Pizza files for bankruptcy protection
Los Angeles-based FAT Brands, the parent company behind several well-known restaurant chains, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it looks to restructure roughly $1.3 billion in debt and stabilize its finances. Several restaurant locations have been shuttered as a result, impacting many well-known restaurant chains across the country. Debt restructuring underway The company announced the filing in early [...]
