Major Restaurant Closures: 13 Chains Shutting Down Permanently
This article highlights 13 major restaurant chains that are shutting down locations permanently in 2024. It covers reasons such as financial difficulties, low customer traffic, and market challenges. The closures include prominent brands like Applebee’s, Chili’s, TGI Fridays, Denny’s, Boston Market, Mod Pizza, PDQ Chicken, Outback Steakhouse, Hardee’s, Tijuana Flats, and In-N-Out Burger. Despite some closures, many brands are also planning new openings and brand revitalizations. Stay informed with this comprehensive update on the restaurant industry’s ongoing transformation.
Major Restaurant Chains Announce Permanent Closures
Since early this year, numerous prominent restaurants have announced closures or reductions in their locations. This trend has raised concerns among food enthusiasts who enjoy dining out, takeaway services, or home delivery. Many of these shutdowns are linked to financial struggles, declining customer visits, or bankruptcy, while others cite underperformance as the reason for closures.
Cracker Barrel
Recently, Cracker Barrel reported decreased customer traffic, resulting in a 4% decline in revenue. Consequently, they closed outlets in Sacramento (CA), Santa Maria (CA), Medford (OR), and Columbia (CA).
Applebee’s
Over recent years, Applebee’s has shut down over 300 locations nationwide. Last year alone, 46 restaurants closed, with 25-35 more expected to close in 2024. However, Dine Brands, its parent company, plans to revitalize the brand by launching joint venues with IHOP in early 2025, giving hope to fans.
Chili’s
Two Chili’s outlets in Indiana and North Carolina were closed this year due to poor performance and lease issues, reflecting ongoing challenges for the chain.
TGI Fridays
The iconic chain announced the closure of 36 locations across 12 states, citing unprofitability. Areas affected include New Jersey, California, Colorado, and Florida, among others.
Denny’s
Last year, Denny’s closed 57 outlets, with further closures anticipated this year, attributing the cuts to inflation pressures.
Boston Market
Once thriving, Boston Market has faced legal and financial issues, leading to a sharp decline from over 300 restaurants to just 27 this year. Rumors suggest more shutdowns may occur, with limited contact options now available.
Mod Pizza
This pizza chain closed over 27 locations across cities including California, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas, owing to strategic shifts.
PDQ Chicken
Known for its chicken tenders, PDQ shut down eight stores in North and South Carolina earlier this year, citing market challenges. Further closures are currently unconfirmed.
Outback Steakhouse
Despite Bloomin’ Brands reporting profits recently, 41 Outback restaurants were closed due to poor sales and location issues. The company plans to open 18 new outlets in 2024 to boost growth.
Hardee’s
Hardee’s has closed several locations since last year, but the reasons remain undisclosed.
Tijuana Flats
Facing financial difficulties, Tijuana Flats filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April, resulting in the closure of around 40 outlets. The brand is now owned by Flatheads LLC, operating 65 company-owned and 26 franchise restaurants mainly in Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee.
In-N-Out Burger
In a historic move, In-N-Out closed a location near Oakland International Airport for the first time in 76 years, citing safety concerns due to rising crime.
Bonefish Grill
The upscale chain in Secaucus, NJ, closed its doors recently. Bloomin’ Brands continues to operate over 160 locations nationwide, with no recent shutdowns reported for Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, another brand under the same parent company.
For localized information on restaurant closures, a quick online search by entering “closing restaurants near me” can provide current details on specific shutdowns.
