Skip to content 
Smokey Bones, the barbecue chain famous for its smoked meats and laid-back atmosphere, is scaling back again in 2025. Across the country, loyal customers are asking the same thing: Why are Smokey Bones locations closing, and which cities are losing their restaurants?
This report breaks down the closures, the reasons behind them, and what the future looks like for the brand.
Key Points
- Smokey Bones is closing several locations in 2025.
- Cities affected: Orlando, Tampa, Richmond, Columbus, Charlotte.
- Closures linked to rising costs and changing dining trends.
- Jobs and local communities are impacted.
- The chain is not shutting down fully.
- Smokey Bones will focus on fewer strong locations, delivery, and new menu ideas.
- Customers can still order online or visit nearby restaurants.
- Part of a wider trend hitting casual dining chains nationwide.
Why Is Smokey Bones Closing Restaurants?
The short answer: rising costs and shifting dining habits.
Like many mid-size casual dining chains, Smokey Bones has struggled to keep up with inflation, labor shortages, and changing consumer preferences. More diners are leaning toward fast-casual spots, local barbecue joints, or delivery-friendly options—leaving traditional sit-down chains squeezed on both ends.
Smokey Bones is closing multiple restaurants in 2025 due to financial strain, higher operating costs, and evolving
Related: Spendless Shrimp Red Lobster Deal Faces Rising Cost Pressures
Full List of Smokey Bones Closures in 2025
Here are the locations confirmed to close this year:
| City | State | Closure Date |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando | Florida | March 2025 |
| Tampa | Florida | April 2025 |
| Richmond | Virginia | April 2025 |
| Columbus | Ohio | May 2025 |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | June 2025 |
Note: This list may expand as more closures are announced.
What the Closures Mean for Communities
For many neighborhoods, Smokey Bones wasn’t just another chain—it was the go-to spot for wings, ribs, and game-day gatherings. Closing these doors hits more than just the company’s bottom line:
- Employees face job losses and career uncertainty.
- Local economies lose a steady stream of dining traffic.
- Customers are left searching for new barbecue favorites.
It’s a familiar story in the casual dining sector, where beloved chains like Ruby Tuesday and Red Lobster have also downsized in recent years.
How Smokey Bones Plans to Stay Alive
The company isn’t throwing in the towel. Instead, it’s betting on a “smaller but stronger” strategy:
- Concentrating on profitable markets with loyal customer bases.
- Expanding delivery and takeout partnerships with apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
- Experimenting with new menu items to keep things fresh.
- Pushing digital-first marketing to connect with younger diners.
By shrinking its footprint, Smokey Bones hopes to stabilize its operations and rebuild customer loyalty in key regions.
What Customers Can Do if Their Smokey Bones Closes
If your favorite location is shutting down, you’re not completely out of luck:
- Check nearby restaurants — many locations remain open.
- Order online — delivery is available in select areas.
- Look for closing discounts — some stores run specials before shutting their doors.
- Stay updated — Smokey Bones posts news and store updates on its official website.
The Bigger Picture: Casual Dining Is Under Pressure
Smokey Bones isn’t alone in this struggle. Rising food prices, higher wages, and growing demand for quick-service dining have reshaped the restaurant landscape. Chains that once thrived on dine-in crowds are being forced to adapt—or risk disappearing.
Industry experts say this wave of closures is less about failure and more about reinvention.
“It’s not about giving up—it’s about survival,” notes one restaurant consultant. “Chains like Smokey Bones need to be leaner, faster, and more innovative to meet today’s customer expectations.”
Related: Fireball Blazin Apple Launch: Bold New Twist on Cinnamon Whiskey
FAQs
Why is Smokey Bones closing stores?
Smokey Bones is downsizing due to higher costs, shifting customer habits, and a focus on keeping only profitable locations.
Is Smokey Bones going out of business entirely?
No. The chain is restructuring and will continue to operate in select markets.
How many Smokey Bones locations are left?
As of 2025, fewer than 70 restaurants remain, though that number may change slightly.
Can I still order Smokey Bones for delivery?
Yes. Customers can still place online orders through the official site and delivery apps.
Final Takeaway
The 2025 Smokey Bones closures reflect the bigger challenges facing casual dining across America. While fans will lose some neighborhood favorites, the brand is banking on a leaner, more digital-friendly approach to stay competitive.
Fewer restaurants may mean fewer tables—but if Smokey Bones executes its plan, fans could still enjoy its signature barbecue for years to come.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more health tools, recipes, and news!
Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.com, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
