Smokey Bones restaurants have abruptly shut multiple locations across the United States following a wave of closures on 28 April 2026, leaving staff and customers stunned as the barbecue chain continues to navigate Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Sites in different states were among those affected, with employees confirming they were informed on the same day operations ceased.
In several cases, notices appeared on doors stating that restaurants had permanently closed, marking a sudden contraction for a once widely recognised US BBQ chain now under financial restructuring by its parent companies.
