Restaurant closures are becoming increasingly common, but few developments have been as dramatic as the complete disappearance of two longtime casual dining brands. In 2026, both Smokey Bones and Bahama Breeze announced plans that ultimately resulted in every remaining location either closing or being converted to another concept.
Smokey Bones abruptly ceases operations
Smokey Bones, the barbecue-focused chain founded in 1999, officially ceased operations nationwide on April 28, 2026. The shutdown came just months after parent company Twin Hospitality Group and FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. Prior to the bankruptcy filing, the chain had already closed underperforming restaurants as it struggled with rising costs and declining traffic.
The closure was abrupt, with the company confirming that all remaining locations had ceased operations as of April 28. At the time of the shutdown, Smokey Bones operated roughly 30 restaurants across multiple states. The chain had spent years attempting to reinvent itself through menu changes and expansion efforts but was unable to overcome mounting financial challenges.
Bahama Breeze reaches the end of its run
Bahama Breeze’s exit followed a different path. On February 3, 2026, parent company Darden Restaurants announced it would permanently close 14 of the chain’s 28 remaining restaurants by April 5 while converting the other 14 locations into other Darden brands over the following 12 to 18 months.
The Caribbean-themed concept, founded in Orlando in 1996, had been identified by Darden as no longer fitting the company’s long-term strategy. By June 2026, all remaining Bahama Breeze locations had either closed or entered the conversion process, effectively ending the brand’s nearly 30-year run.
Casual dining continues to contract
The disappearance of both chains highlights the ongoing challenges facing casual dining operators. Rising labor costs, changing consumer habits and increased competition from fast-casual brands continue to reshape the restaurant landscape, leaving even well-known chains vulnerable to closure.
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