Massachusetts has officially lost its last remaining Smokey Bones locations after the barbecue chain abruptly shut down its final two restaurants in the state, marking a complete exit from the market.
Parent company FAT Brands confirmed that Smokey Bones locations in Tyngsboro and Taunton are now closed as part of the company’s nationwide shutdown. A spokesperson said all Smokey Bones restaurants ceased operations on April 28.
The closures bring an end to the chain’s presence in Massachusetts after years of operating in the state and serving barbecue platters, ribs, burgers and other casual dining favorites.
Final Massachusetts locations closed
The two final Massachusetts restaurants were located on Middlesex Road in Tyngsboro and County Road in Taunton, according to previous company listings.
Local officials in Taunton said the closure came as a surprise. The city’s Office of Economic and Community Development said it had repeatedly heard rumors about a possible shutdown over the last two years, but was consistently told the restaurant would remain open until the abrupt closure this week.
City leaders also said they are already working to attract a new restaurant tenant for the Taunton site.
End of a once-growing chain
Founded in 1999, Smokey Bones expanded rapidly across the U.S. and once operated more than 100 restaurants nationwide. The brand became known for its sports-bar atmosphere and menu focused on smoked meats and fire-grilled items.
But the chain had been shrinking for years. In 2025, the company announced closures of underperforming locations, and in January 2026 parent company FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The final April 28 shutdown appears to have ended the brand’s remaining U.S. operations.
What it means for Massachusetts diners
For Massachusetts customers, the closures remove another recognizable casual dining option at a time when several chains have reduced footprints across the region.
The shutdown also impacts workers at both locations and leaves vacant restaurant spaces in Tyngsboro and Taunton.
Whether Smokey Bones ever returns through franchising or a revived concept remains uncertain. For now, the closures mark the end of the chain’s Massachusetts chapter and a full exit from the Bay State.
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