One Less in Michigan

The Grand Rapids location of Smokey Bones has closed its doors permanently, leaving only one barbecue chain location still operating in the state.

The restaurant at 4875 28th Street SE in Cascade Township is listed as permanently closed on Google and on its automated voicemail system. The closure marks the end of an era for a once-popular spot in the area that struggled with declining foot traffic amid changing ownership and broader industry challenges.

Underperforming Location in Portfolio Review

According to store locator maps on the chain's website, the only Smokey Bones location remaining in Michigan is in Lansing. The Grand Rapids closure comes as part of a broader downsizing effort following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of its parent company, FAT Brands, in early 2026.

On September 2, 2025, Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the owner of the chain, announced it had identified 15 underperforming Smokey Bones locations. Ten of those locations were closed immediately, with five additional closures scheduled by the end of the fiscal third quarter. There are now 26 Smokey Bones locations remaining nationwide.

The Grand Rapids location was one of the 15 underperforming units identified by Twin Hospitality. The company's press release stated it was focused on reviewing the Smokey Bones portfolio and closing lower-performing units.

Conversion Plans Underway

In addition to the closure of underperforming Smokey Bones locations, 19 restaurant locations have been identified to be converted into Twin Peaks sports bar concepts. The Twin Peaks conversion has proven to generate stronger sales and higher customer engagement according to the company. Two Smokey Bones locations have already been converted to the Twin Peaks concept.

The question remains whether the 28th Street Grand Rapids location will eventually become a Twin Peaks or sit vacant. Local business sources suggest the restaurant may be converted to the sports bar concept, but no official plans have been announced.

A National Trend

At its peak, Smokey Bones operated roughly 120 restaurants across the United States. That number has dropped significantly in recent years as closures continue and the brand narrows its focus. The chain has faced mounting pressure from inflation, higher labor and food costs, and increased competition from fast-casual and takeout-focused concepts.

The Utica location, which had served the community for only three years since opening in 2022, was another recent closure that quietly shut its doors in September 2025. The Utica restaurant reflected a wider trend of declining traffic at casual dining chains.

What This Means for Michigan

With the Grand Rapids location closing, only the Lansing Smokey Bones remains in Michigan. The chain's national presence continues to shrink as it reevaluates its portfolio following the bankruptcy filing.

The bankruptcy filing came after FAT Brands accumulated about $1.26 billion in debts it could not pay by late 2025. The company attempted to ease financial pressure by separating some of its brands, including Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, into a different company, but that restructuring effort was not enough to avoid the bankruptcy filing.

As creditors force the sale of several top chains, Smokey Bones continues its downward trajectory. The Grand Rapids closure is another piece of evidence that the casual dining model is struggling in the current economic environment.

Sources

• Smokey Bones closes Grand Rapids location, 1 left in Michigan - Crain's Grand Rapids Business - https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/smokey-bones-closes-grand-rapids-restaurant-as-chain-dwindles/
• BBQ chain Smokey Bones closes Cascade Township location - WZZM-13 - https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/smokey-bones-closes-cascade-township-location/69-f5f2282e-d419-4b75-ae2c-8bbc125cac2e
• The Story Behind Smokey Bones' Closure In Grand Rapids - 100.5 The River - https://rivergrandrapids.com/restaurant-closure-grand-rapids/
• Barbecue chain closes majority of Michigan locations after bankruptcy filing - The Coconut Mama - https://thecoconutmama.com/barbecue-chain-closes-majority-of-michigan-locations-after-bankruptcy-filing/