Smokey Bones, a popular barbecue chain with several locations in the U.S., is working to close its underperforming restaurants.
Twin Hospitality Group Inc., which is the parent company of Smokey Bones and Twin Peaks, announced the closures in a press release on Sept. 2, 2025, while also introducing Ken Brendemihl as the new president of Smokey Bones.
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Kim Boerema, CEO of Twin Hospitality Group, described Smokey Bones as a “beloved brand” with a “loyal following” built over the years.
Since joining Twin Hospitality, she said, the company has launched a comprehensive spending review to “eliminate inefficiencies” and “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,“ Boerema said. ”Ken will step in immediately bringing his deep operational expertise and proven track record to lead Smokey Bones into its next chapter.”
Here’s what to know about Smokey Bones locations and how this restructuring will impact them:
How many Smokey Bones locations are being closed?
In 2023, FAT Brands Inc. acquired Smokey Bones. At the time, there were 60 Smokey Bones locations.
Then, in January 2025, Twin Hospitality acquired the chain.
Since then, Twin Hospitality has identified 15 underperforming Smokey Bones locations. Ten of those restaurants have already been closed, and five will be closed by the end of the fiscal third quarter, according to the release.
Nineteen restaurants will also be converted into “better-performing” Twin Peaks lodges.
“Two of these conversions have already been completed and generate significantly higher average unit volumes (AUVs) of approximately $7.8 million, compared to approximately $3.5 million as Smokey Bones,” the company said. “A third conversion, being completed by a franchisee, is currently under construction and is expected to open later this year.”
How many Smokey Bones locations will remain?
After the closures and conversions, 26 Smokey locations will remain.
The company said that these locations “are generating positive cash flow” and there are plans to start franchising the remaining locations “to unlock additional growth potential for the brand.”
Will Michigan locations be impacted?
There are currently three Smokey Bones restaurants in Michigan, located in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Utica, according to its website.
In the release, the company didn’t specify which locations will be closed or converted.
Local 4 reached out to Twin Hospitality for more information about which restaurants are closing and how Michigan locations will be affected.