Food

Beloved BBQ chain Smokey Bones abruptly shuts down after 27 years

The new closure seems to be a pattern happening nationwide, with Smokey Bones giving same-day notice to employees about the closure. ©Image Credit: Smokey Bones BBQ

Fans of the Smokey Bones BBQ chain have been dealt a huge blow. After 27 years of being in business, the company has suddenly announced closing down its Colonie, NY location.

It's becoming a pattern across the country

For those shocked by the sudden closure at the Colonie location, it seems this isn't a one-off. The chain had already been shutting down locations across the country.

Smokey Bones is owned by FAT Brands Inc., who earlier this year filed for bankruptcy. It's not looking good for the chain.

Very little warning for employees

It wasn't just customers who were shocked by the news; it seems employees were, too. They received very little, if any, warning.

Most were actually told about the closure on the day it happened. Digging in a little deeper, this seems to be the MO of the brand which has followed this same routine when closing other locations.

Employees have now been blindsided nationwide. Locations in Rhode Island, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania all got the same one-day notice when they were shut down.

All locations are listed as closed

Not too long ago, the chain announced it would be restructuring. At that time, it said that business would "continue as usual" during the restructuring. That doesn't seem to be the case.

Smokey Bones' own website shows all locations as "closed" in terms of operating hours, leaving people to wonder what's actually going on.

Last September, the chain announced 15 closures of "underperforming units", but these additional ones seem to have come out of nowhere.

Originally opened in Orlando, FL, Smokey Bones operated up to 130 locations at its peak. That number has been whittled down drastically.

Another one bites the dust

It's been a tough year or two for the restaurant industry, with there often being more reports of closures than openings. Now's the time to hit up your favorite spots and make sure they feel the love and the business.

Source: NY Post

Dollar Tree is opening 400 stores while other chains shut down

With so many retailers announcing closures this past year, it is a bit surprising to see the opposite type of announcement. That's exactly the case with Dollar Tree, which is bucking the trend and opening a whopping 400 stores. Discount dollar stores on the rise What makes this

Wordle is coming to NBC as a game show with Savannah Guthrie

Wordle is officially turning into a game show on NBC, with a planned premiere in 2027. The show will be led by Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the Today show. She announced the project alongside Jimmy Fallon, whose production company is also involved in bringing the show to life. NBC even

Amazon launches new 30-minute delivery service in these US cities

Running out of milk, toothpaste, or something random before a flight might not require a store trip anymore. Amazon just launched a new service called Amazon Now, promising delivery in 30 minutes or less for everyday essentials. With the service already rolling out across major U.S. cities, here is

Popular mall retailer Carter's is closing 150 locations

Parents who count on Carter's when shopping for clothing for their kids aren't going to be happy about the latest news from the retailer. Carter's announces the closure of 150 locations across the country. Parents may face long travels Malls across America are going