Smokey Bones to Shut 15 Underperforming Units in Strategic Retrenchment

Lead Smokey Bones announced the closure of 15 underperforming barbecue restaurants across the U.S. this week, with 10 already shuttered and five more slated to close by September 30, owner Twin Hospitality Group said Tuesday.

Nut Graf The move follows a companywide review aimed at cutting $1.5 million in overhead and refocusing resources on profitable locations and higher-performing conversions to sister brand Twin Peaks. New president Ken Brendemihl will oversee the downsizing and conversion process to strengthen long-term brand health.

Details

Closures and Remaining Footprint

• Ten Smokey Bones units have already closed as of early September; five additional locations will cease operations by the end of the third quarter.
• After these shutdowns, the barbecue chain will operate 26 restaurants nationwide.

Conversions to Twin Peaks

• Twin Hospitality identified 19 Smokey Bones sites for conversion into Twin Peaks sports bars, completing two transformations so far.
• Converted locations are generating average unit volumes of $7.8 million versus $3.5 million when under the Smokey Bones banner.

Leadership and Financial Impact

• Ken Brendemihl, former Alamo Drafthouse COO, assumed the role of Smokey Bones president immediately, bringing over 25 years of restaurant management experience.
• Twin Hospitality expects the closures and conversions to “materially enhance” EBITDA performance by eliminating inefficiencies and boosting average unit economics.

Background Smokey Bones, founded in 1999 and acquired by FAT Brands in 2023 before spinning off into Twin Hospitality, once operated nearly 60 locations. The latest retrenchment reflects the chain’s long-term strategy to streamline its portfolio and capitalize on Twin Peaks’ stronger sales metrics.