Smokey Bones, known for its barbecue-forward menu and sports-bar vibe, has been shrinking its footprint over the past year as parent company Twin Hospitality Group Inc. restructures the brand. The company has already closed multiple locations and plans additional shutdowns and conversions.
Multiple Smokey Bones Locations Close Within Weeks
Smokey Bones is a U.S.-based casual dining chain best known for its barbecue-focused menu. Founded in Orlando in 1999, the brand serves slow-smoked ribs, grilled meats, burgers, and classic comfort fare, along with a full bar featuring beer, bourbon, and cocktails.
The chain has changed hands several times over the years and is currently operated by Twin Hospitality Group Inc. At its peak, Smokey Bones operated more than 120 locations nationwide, but its footprint has since shrunk following multiple restructurings.
As part of Twin Hospitality Group’s restructuring efforts, the following six Smokey Bones locations have closed within the past month, according to The Street:
- Smokey Bones Orlando: 3400 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
- Smokey Bones Rockford: 6690 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
- Smokey Bones Boca Raton: 21733 FL-7, Boca Raton, FL 33428
- Smokey Bones Maumee: 512 W Dussel Dr, Maumee, OH 43537
- Smokey Bones Cheektowaga: 2007 Walden Ave, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
- Smokey Bones Pittsburgh: 6050 Robinson Centre Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Closures Tie into Broader Twin Hospitality Restructuring
The closures are part of Twin Hospitality Group’s strategy to streamline operations and improve financial performance. In September 2025, the company declared that it would change its leadership and plans to right-size the Smokey Bones business.
The strategy involves the following major points:
- Underperforming Locations: Twin Hospitality closed 15 Smokey Bones restaurants during the third quarter of 2025.
- Twin Peaks Conversions: The company identified 19 Smokey Bones outlets for transformation into Twin Peaks lodges, for a better average performance.
- Remaining Operations: With the shutdowns and conversions, 26 outlets were still in operation, of which six have now closed.
Wider financial objectives of the parent company involve the reduction of corporate overheads, enhancement of EBITDA performance, and placing more emphasis on higher-growth segments in its portfolio.
Smokey Bones is continuing to contract as Twin Hospitality reshapes its restaurant portfolio. The moves reflect a broader effort to focus on stronger-performing brands across the company’s portfolio.
