Diners looking to enjoy some barbecue now have one less place to find it.
American barbecue chain Smokey Bones announced it was closing all of its U.S. locations, effective April 27, according to a report from USA Today. The move comes after Smokey Bones’ parent company, FAT Brands Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January.
“As of yesterday, April 28, 2026, all Smokey Bones locations have ceased operations. On behalf of Management, it has been a privilege to serve our customers,” spokesperson Erin Mandzik told USA TODAY.
The closures included the chain’s last Michigan outlet in Lansing Township, which shuttered April 28.
In a message posted to the chain’s website, Smokey Bones officials announced the closings “after 27 incredible years.”
“This isn’t just the end of a restaurant—it’s the closing of a chapter filled with shared meals, celebrations, traditions, and countless memories,” the statement read. “From first bites to final toasts, you made this place more than just BBQ—you made it home. We are deeply grateful for every visit, every smile, and every moment you chose to spend with us. Serving this community has been an honor we’ll never forget.”
The sudden closure followed financial issues with the restaurant chain’s parent company. In January, FAT Brands Inc., the global parent company behind Smokey Bones and dozens of food chains like Fazoli’s and Fatburger, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
According to USA Today, FAT Brands acquired Smokey Bones as a 60-unit group in 2023, and spun it off into Twin Hospitality Group Inc., a public company that owned Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, in January 2025.
Then, last summer, Twin Hospitality announced plans to shift business models for Smokey Bones, including closing 15 underperforming locations and converting 19 into Twin Peaks restaurants, USA Today reported.
FAT Brands entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy by January 2026, followed by a similar filing from Twin Hospitality. Some locations began closing the same month, though the latter said in a statement that, “Twin Hospitality expects the brands will remain open and operating as usual and will continue delivering their signature guest experiences.”
