SEVERAL popular restaurants announced they will be closing this month.
Dozens of popular chains will close this month, with many citing financial difficulties as the reason.
Popular restaurant chains will be shutting down this month (stock photos)[/caption]
Over one dozen stores are slated to close[/caption]
Noodles & Company, the popular noodle fast food chain, has already closed 13 stores this year and plans to close 19 more during the remainder of the year.
In 2024, the chain closed 20 stores after reviewing its portfolio during the second quarter, according to Restaurant Dive.
The company owns a total of 364 units, which is expected to be brought down to 340 by the end of the year.
“The portfolio optimization, reviewed by Mike [Hynes], combined with ongoing cost reductions, will give us a stronger and more profitable foundation moving forward,” CEO Drew Madsen said during an earnings call.
Barbecue chain Smokey Bones will also be closing its underperforming restaurants this year, Click One Detroit reported.
Twin Hospitality Group, which owns Smokey Bones and Twin Peaks, shared the news in a press release on September 2.
In the release, the company announced that Ken Brendemihl has been appointed as the new president of Smokey Bones.
The closures come as the company said it plans to “eliminate inefficiencies.”
In return, the company hopes to “refocus on high-return initiatives.”
“I have also focused on reviewing the Smokey Bones portfolio, closing underperforming units, identifying strong candidates for conversion, and supporting profitable locations that will remain Smokey Bones,” CEO Kim Boerema said.
”Ken will step in immediately, bringing his deep operational expertise and proven track record to lead Smokey Bones into its next chapter.”
Smokey Bones has already closed ten underperforming locations and plans to close five more by the end of the year.
After the 15 restaurants close, Smokey Bones will have 26 locations remaining nationwide.
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant closed three locations in the Philadelphia area, including its flagship pub in Delaware, CBS News reported.
Restaurant closures in 2025
Denny’s – Denny’s has confirmed that up to 150 locations are set to close in the US by the end of the year as many of them are no longer profitable.
Red Lobster – The chain has said that it plans to close over 100 stores across the country this year as new CEO Damola Adamolekun takes over.
TGI Friday’s – TGI Friday’s is still being forced to shutter locations thanks to a bankruptcy filing, including 30 in April alone.
Applebee’s – This chain is projecting a loss of 20 to 35 Applebee’s spots in 2025 but is teaming up with IHOP to introduce dual-branded locations with a curated menu of the two’s best items.
Noodles & Company – This emporium is set to close between 17 and 21 locations in 2025 following a difficult 2024.
The brewery opened its flagship store in 1996.
The company executives blamed the “changing business landscape” for the closures.
“Iron Hill emphasizes that this decision was not made lightly, and it remains deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be part of these local communities,” the company’s statement said.
“Guests are encouraged to visit nearby Iron Hill locations, where they can continue to expect the same great food, fresh craft beer, and friendly service that have defined the Iron Hill experience for nearly three decades.”
Restaurant chain Red Robin also announced that it will be closing its Jackson, Tennessee, location, CBS affiliate WBBJ reported.
“We have loved serving the Jackson community and look forward to serving guests at our other Tennessee-based restaurants,” the company said in a statement.
