A barbecue restaurant chain has closed down without warning, leaving both customers and employees wondering what happened.
Smokey Bones shut down across the country on April 27, according to reports in local media outlets, posts on social media, and a statement that was put up on the Smokey Bones website after the closures.
“To Our Community,” the statement reads. “After 27 incredible years, Smokey Bones has officially closed its doors as of Monday, April 27th… 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.”
Why Did Smokey Bones Close?
The company statement does not address why the chain abruptly closed. Last summer, Twin Hospitality, the parent company of Smokey Bones and Twin Peaks which had just acquired the barbecue chain, announced that it would be closing 15 locations and converting another 19 to Twin Peaks restaurants.
Then, in January of this year, Twin Hospitality filed for bankruptcy, along with its former parent company, Fat Brands. Together, the two companies operate over a dozen chains, including Fazoli’s, Johnny Rockets, Ponderosa, and Fatburger.
“Twin Hospitality plans to use the filings to deleverage the balance sheet, maximize value for its stakeholders, and support the continued growth of its brands,” the company said in a press release at the time of filing for bankruptcy. “Throughout the Chapter 11 process, Twin Hospitality expects the brands will remain open and operating as usual and will continue delivering their signature guest experiences.” It appears that plan didn’t last long.
Online Reactions
Smokey Bones has probably been in decline for a number of years now, but by all accounts, there was no warning or communication to employees about their imminent layoffs.
“In my city people went to go to work today only to find it shut down,” said one Redditor in a thread about the closures. “Not even the employees were warned.”
Some people blamed private equity for the shuttering, which has a reputation for buying up restaurants and running them into the ground purely for shareholder profit. “Private equity strikes again.”
And, unsurprisingly, opinions were varied as to whether Smokey Bones will be missed or not. “I thought they were better than the competing restaurants like Sonny’s etc.,” said one Redditor. “I kinda don’t get this at all.”
On the flipside, lots of people won’t be shedding a tear over the chain. “I’m really going to miss driving right it by it and thinking ‘nope!’ while trying to decide what to get to eat.”
