A major restaurant conglomerate behind brands like FAT Brands, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Smokey Bones is facing mounting financial pressure after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, triggering widespread closures and asset sales across its portfolio. Bankruptcy filing follows massive debt buildup FAT Brands and affiliate Twin Hospitality Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 26, [...]

While many restaurant chains are closing underperforming locations, Wingstop is moving in the opposite direction. The fast-growing chicken wing chain continues to add restaurants across the country as it pursues one of the most ambitious expansion goals in the industry. Wingstop eyes thousands of future locations Wingstop has set a long-term goal of reaching 10,000 restaurants worldwide, a target that would more than [...]

A franchise operator tied to a popular California-based burger chain has filed for bankruptcy protection as restaurant operators across the country continue battling rising costs and slowing consumer spending. The filing reflects growing financial pressure within the fast food industry, particularly among regional chains facing tighter margins and increased borrowing costs. Farmer Boys franchisee enters Chapter 11 [...]

Tennessee is turning into one of Buc-ee's most important expansion states. Buc-ee's official location list currently shows two Tennessee stores: Crossville and Sevierville/Kodak. That already gives Tennessee a strong presence in the chain's Southeast road-trip network. The Crossville store at 2045 Genesis Road opened June 27, 2022 as Tennessee's first Buc-ee's. It sits along I-40, making it a natural stop between [...]

Five Guys is quietly shrinking its footprint in several states (aside from California, which has already seen several closures) as the fast-casual burger chain faces mounting pressure from inflation, labor costs, and slowing consumer spending in 2026. While the company continues opening restaurants in select markets, at least 10 locations outside California have reportedly already closed this year. Illinois closure draws [...]

Pennsylvania's restaurant scene has been taking some hard hits lately. In recent weeks, several familiar restaurants across the state have closed or changed hands, adding to a broader stretch in which familiar restaurant chains have been vanishing from Pennsylvania. From a 25-year Philadelphia BYOB to a popular North Hills dim sum spot and a downtown Pittsburgh steak-and-seafood restaurant, these closings show how varied [...]