Smokey Bones BBQ Restaurant Chain – with Locations on LI – Closing Some Locations, Re-Branding Others

The parent company of barbecue restaurant chain Smokey Bones is in the process of closing some eateries and re-branding others amid restructuring efforts driven by “underperformance,” reports say, a trend the restaurant industry as a whole has been contending with as national economic hardship has translated to more and more people eating at home instead of going out.

Twin Hospitality Group announced that they will be closing 15 Smokey Bones locations – located throughout the Eastern United States – by the end of September of this year, in addition to converting 30 other locations to one of the company’s other restaurant brands: Twin Peaks, a strong-performing Hooters-style dining chain that features scantily-clad waitresses.

Once the closures and re-brandings have been completed, there will only be approximately 20 Smokey Bones locations remaining, said Twin Hospitality Group CEO Kim Boerema in a statement.

“Smokey Bones is a beloved brand that has amassed a loyal following over the years,” he said. “Since joining Twin Hospitality, we have launched a full spending review across both brands to eliminate inefficiencies, uncover synergies, and refocus on high-return initiatives.”

Founded in 1999, at its peak, the Smokey Bones chain operated over 100 restaurants; there is currently one location on Long Island in Ronkonkoma.