A long-time American barbecue restaurant brand is shrinking its footprint nationwide, with several Florida locations among the most recent closures as part of a broader corporate restructuring. As of early 2026, the chain’s restaurant count has reduced by around 85% since its peak.
Florida closures add to nationwide downsizing
In early 2026, multiple Smokey Bones restaurants in Florida — including locations in Orlando, Casselberry, Fort Lauderdale and Plantation — were reported to have permanently closed their doors. These shutdowns come amid a larger plan by the company’s parent group to reduce underperforming units and focus on more profitable concepts.
The Fort Lauderdale and Casselberry locations were listed as recently shuttered, while other outlets across the state have also ended operations as part of the chain’s ongoing contraction.
Strategic shift under new ownership
Once boasting well over 100 restaurants across the United States, Smokey Bones has seen its number of operating locations decline sharply in recent years. According to corporate data, the chain now operates far fewer units than in its peak years.
The closures are tied to a strategic pivot by Twin Hospitality Group, the company that now oversees the brand after acquiring it from FAT Brands. Under this strategy, dozens of underperforming Smokey Bones restaurants have been closed outright, while others are being converted into Twin Peaks lodge-style restaurants, which have shown stronger sales performance.
Impact on staff and diners
Local employees and regular patrons of the Florida locations have expressed disappointment at the closure of the familiar barbecue spot, known for its slow-smoked ribs, grilled meats, and casual sports-bar atmosphere. Some workers were transitioning to other hospitality jobs as closures took effect.
What’s next for the Smokey Bones brand
The brand’s future remains uncertain as the broader restaurant group continues its portfolio reshaping. While some Smokey Bones restaurants still operate, industry observers note that the closures reflect broader challenges in the casual dining sector, with chains increasingly consolidating around stronger concepts.
A long-time American barbecue restaurant brand is shrinking its footprint nationwide, with several Florida locations among the most recent closures as part of a broader corporate restructuring. As of early 2026, the chain’s restaurant count has reduced by around 85% since its peak.
Florida closures add to nationwide downsizing
In early 2026, multiple Smokey Bones restaurants in Florida — including locations in Orlando, Casselberry, Fort Lauderdale and Plantation — were reported to have permanently closed their doors. These shutdowns come amid a larger plan by the company’s parent group to reduce underperforming units and focus on more profitable concepts.
The Fort Lauderdale and Casselberry locations were listed as recently shuttered, while other outlets across the state have also ended operations as part of the chain’s ongoing contraction.
Strategic shift under new ownership
Once boasting well over 100 restaurants across the United States, Smokey Bones has seen its number of operating locations decline sharply in recent years. According to corporate data, the chain now operates far fewer units than in its peak years.
The closures are tied to a strategic pivot by Twin Hospitality Group, the company that now oversees the brand after acquiring it from FAT Brands. Under this strategy, dozens of underperforming Smokey Bones restaurants have been closed outright, while others are being converted into Twin Peaks lodge-style restaurants, which have shown stronger sales performance.
Impact on staff and diners
Local employees and regular patrons of the Florida locations have expressed disappointment at the closure of the familiar barbecue spot, known for its slow-smoked ribs, grilled meats, and casual sports-bar atmosphere. Some workers were transitioning to other hospitality jobs as closures took effect.
What’s next for the Smokey Bones brand
The brand’s future remains uncertain as the broader restaurant group continues its portfolio reshaping. While some Smokey Bones restaurants still operate, industry observers note that the closures reflect broader challenges in the casual dining sector, with chains increasingly consolidating around stronger concepts.
A long-time American barbecue restaurant brand is shrinking its footprint nationwide, with several Florida locations among the most recent closures as part of a broader corporate restructuring. As of early 2026, the chain’s restaurant count has reduced by around 85% since its peak.
Florida closures add to nationwide downsizing
In early 2026, multiple Smokey Bones restaurants in Florida — including locations in Orlando, Casselberry, Fort Lauderdale, and Plantation — were reported to have permanently closed their doors. These shutdowns come amid a larger plan by the company’s parent group to reduce underperforming units and focus on more profitable concepts.
The Fort Lauderdale and Casselberry locations were listed as recently shuttered, while other outlets across the state have also ended operations as part of the chain’s ongoing contraction.
Strategic shift under new ownership
Once boasting well over 100 restaurants across the United States, Smokey Bones has seen its number of operating locations decline sharply in recent years. According to corporate data, the chain now operates far fewer units than in its peak years.
The closures are tied to a strategic pivot by Twin Hospitality Group, the company that now oversees the brand after acquiring it from FAT Brands. Under this strategy, dozens of underperforming Smokey Bones restaurants have been closed outright, while others are being converted into Twin Peaks lodge-style restaurants, which have shown stronger sales performance.
Impact on staff and diners
Local employees and regular patrons of the Florida locations have expressed disappointment at the closure of the familiar barbecue spot, known for its slow-smoked ribs, grilled meats, and casual sports-bar atmosphere. Some workers were transitioning to other hospitality jobs as closures took effect.
What’s next for the Smokey Bones brand
The brand’s future remains uncertain as the broader restaurant group continues its portfolio reshaping. While some Smokey Bones restaurants still operate, industry observers note that the closures reflect broader challenges in the casual dining sector, with chains increasingly consolidating around stronger concepts.
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