Smokey Bones Shuts All Locations Following FAT Brands’ Bankruptcy
All Smokey Bones locations nationwide ceased operations Tuesday under owner FAT Brands after its January 26 bankruptcy filing. The barbecue chain was founded by Darden Restaurants in 1999 and was sold off in 2007 after expanding to 127 U.S. locations at its peak.
1. Nationwide Closures Announced
On Tuesday, Smokey Bones shutters its remaining U.S. restaurants after FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 on January 26 in Texas. All locations, including those in Florida and other Southeastern markets, ceased operations simultaneously.
2. Chain’s Origins and Ownership Changes
Darden Restaurants founded Smokey Bones in 1999 and expanded it to 127 outlets by 2006 before selling 73 remaining units in 2007. The concept was transferred to FAT Brands in 2023, which later folded it into Twin Hospitality Group.
3. Bankruptcy and Brand Wind-Down
FAT Brands operated 2,200 global locations across 18 chains at the time of its bankruptcy filing. Attempts to place orders or reservations on Smokey Bones’ website now result in a farewell message, signaling a full brand shutdown.