The past year has brought about some upsetting news with the revelation that many of the greatest stores are liquidating across the country. Both retail stores and restaurants are suffering through this tough period, they have also had to decrease their staff. These restaurants are closing for different reasons, read on to find out which of your favorite’s are shutting and which are pushing through.
Say Your Goodbyes Because These Restaurant Chains Are Closing Locations
Pizza Hut
The name Pizza Hut is known around the globe, having been established in 1958 they now have around 18,431 branches. The first-ever Pizza Hut opened in Wichita, Kansas, and is one of the many chains owned by Yum! Brands. In the U.S alone there are approximately over 7,500 branches. Yum! Brands recently announced they will be foreclosing five hundred locations that are simply not cutting it. The process will take around two years to complete.
Pizza Hut
Luby’s
Do you know the well-known franchise restaurants Luby’s, Koo Koo Roo, Fuddruckers, and Cheeseburger in Paradise? Well, those all originally came from Luby’s. Luby’s Cafeteria was the original name when the restaurant was founded in 1947, it was later rebranded. Luby’s announced they will be closing the less successful branches of their 83 sites. The chain has done this previously and boosted their profits to $6.6 million.
Luby’s
Steak ‘N Shake
Normal, Illinois is the home to the simple Steak ‘N Shake establishment which first opened in 1934. The franchise is now in America, Southwest Europe, and the Middle East. Today they are standing with 628 location, 214 of which are franchised. The company is looking for a franchise partner and in the meantime will have to close a few dozen restaurants.
Steak ‘N Shake
O’Charley’s
O’Charly’s originally started in 1971 and has almost 200 restaurants in the South and Midwest. They recently had to close eight restaurants in one single day and have closed others since. The entire franchise may be closing but at the moment Fidelity Nationality is deciding whether they want to assist the struggling chain remain open.
O’Charley’s
Tim Hortons
With their headquarters based in Toronto, Tim Hortons is in actual fact the largest fast-food chain in the country. Tim Horton and Jim Charade are the founders and in actual fact wanted to open up a hamburger place but decided to do coffee and donuts instead. With 4,848 branches worldwide Tim Hortons Inc. has decided that they will be downsizing as some stores are simply not profitable. Four stores suddenly shut in Ohio.
Tim Hortons
Red Robin
Homed in Seattle, Washington, Red Robin opened in 1969. A decade later they developed their first franchised restaurant. Now, the organization holds 562 restaurants, 90 of those are franchises. They have recently succumb to a terrible decline by 85.4%, and will have to close ten restaurants but have received information from substantial investors that the company should close completely.
Red Robin
HomeTown Buffet
HomeTown Buffet originated in 1983 and at one time had 250 restaurants under their name. It is a descendent of Ovation Brands, which actually belongs to Food Management Partners. Since being bought by Food Management the buffet-style joint is being run by new management. However, the adjustment has not treated the chain well as they have closed over 200 restaurants since August in 2019.
HomeTown Buffet
McCormick & Schmick’s
This seafood hub has already closed more than half of their branches and will be closing even more in 2020. McCormick & Schmick is owned by Landry’s Inc and founded in Oregon. They have over forty restaurants around the U.S and five in Canada. The business is rapidly declining according to their revenue, net income, assets and equity. The headquarters are being moved to Texas and Landry’s is shutting the branches.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers used to be the place for crispy chicken fingers, lovers would flock there. There used to be almost 111 franchises and 77 branches that were company-owned and run. Their revenue stans at $150 million and they plan on increasing it when closing specific stores. They have been through a bunch of ownership changes but their headquarters are in Texas.
Fuddruckers
Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers Restaurants specialize in burgers, they are mainly found in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas. The restaurant is named after old western actor Roy Rogers, however, they were previously known as RoBee’s House of Beef before being bought by the Marriot hotel corporation. Their sales campaign was able to attract customers with its aggressiveness which led them to having 6o0 branches at one point. Hardee’s parent company purchased the franchise in 1990 and now there are just 48 restaurants standing.
Roy Rogers
Boston Market
Formerly known as Boston Chicken, Boston Market is known for its unique rotisserie chicken, just with a different name. The owners are Sun Capital and this chain is mainly found in the Northeast/Midwest areas, as well as Florida. In 2013, they stood at 462 branches but since then business has not been treating them well. The restaurant franchise announced that they were undergoing a “multifaceted transformation plan.”
Boston Market
Perkins
Perkins originated in Cincinnati Ohio as privately o0wnded enterprise using the name Pancake House. The breakfast and bakery chain then changed to Perkins Family Restaurant years later. The restaurants can be found in thirty-two U.S states as well as in four regions in Canada. Marie Callenders is the restaurant that owns Perkins. The joint filed bankruptcy in 2019 and this resulted in many store closures as well as 25,00 laid-off employees.
Perkins
Friendly’s
Friendly’s is mostly found in the East coast region and has changed drastically since their opening in 1935. They declared bankruptcy a couple of years b ack but managed to make a comeback and changed the entire menu. There are now 167 locations but they will be closing specific branches that are not generating enough revenue.
Friendly’s
Del Taco
Founded in the 1960’s Del Taco sells burgers and fries but is actually a Mexican inspired restaurant, unusual combo, no? Del Taco is most popular in the West and Southwest areas, they now have 564 restaurants. The less popular locations are supposedly being shut down in 2020.; However, Del Taco is also looking towards franchising possibilities. Levy Acquisition bought them in 2015 which means that they are a public company. They still make a decent amount of revenue despite their expansion plans being unsuccessful.
Del Taco
Applebee’s
As the relative to IHOP, both Applebee’s and IHOP are shutting their doors. With 1,830 worldwide restaurants, majority of these are franchised. They are no longer doing as well as they once did. previously the revenue stood at $2.5 billion and their assets at $935 million with 28,000 employees.
Applebee’s
IHOP
The International House Of Pancakes is a favorite of many, one of ours too. Owned by Dine Brands Global with headquarters in Los Angeles, California- this is where they originated. Their rivals are the Waffle House who is also said to shutting down a few stores in the near future. Their current revenues is not disclosed but they were once standing at $350 billion.
IHOP
Burger King
Established in 1966 and formerly known as Insta-Burger King, Burger King is known worldwide. They have 17,800 restaurants within the country but this number has been rapidly declining. Each year 200-500 locations are supposedly closing.
Burger King
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is a very popular local joint that can be compared to TFI Friday’s and Applebee’s. It was established in 1972 in Knoxville, Tennessee and has roughly 491 branches currently open. They are located mainly in the East coast area and recently explained how their declining income will be resulting in the closure of most of their stores.
Ruby Tuesday
Five Guys
Arguably one of the most beloved fast-food chains, more favored in America but they have made their way through to Dubai and the U.K too. Five Guys cheeseburgers look like those burgers you see straight out of a movie, cheesy and delicious. The chain is also loved by tons of celebrities who often post picking up a burger and fries. However, the restaurant industry has suffered a major blow as a whole, five guys being no exception. The chain is closing over 20 branches across the U.S as a start, who knows if or when there will be more. Over 20 branches in just half a year is a major blow to the franchise.
Five Guys
Marie Callender’s
This local pie-heaven is home to some of the tastiest pies one will ever come across, particularly the key lime pie! Marie Callender’s was in fact started by Marie Callender herself, she thought of the idea and got it up and running whilst residing in a trailer park. Marie originally began baking pies in order to support her family but the restaurant became a huge success. In 2009, sadly, the family went through a traumatic event which led to a hurdle in the restaurant’s succession. Marie’s husband died due to a head injury and since then the restaurant has been unable to survive, filing for bankruptcy and shutting many of their restaurants down.
Marie Callender’s
Kona Grill
Established in Scottsdale, Arizona- Kona Grill is known for its sushi. They currently have over forty locations around the U.S and Puerto Rico. However, they have been dealing with potential foreclosures since they were founded in 1989. They announced in 2019 that they would be filing for bankruptcy. They still have hope for a potential merge regardless of the CEO’s potential resignation.
Kona Grill
Quiznos
Quiznos declared bankruptcy in 2014, however, the sandwich joint somehow managed to make it back to life as they decreased their debts by $400 million. They had 5,000 locations around the world but now just a mere 800 stand. They began closing their doors in 2007 and bid farewell to one thousand restaurants in the U.S.
Quiznos
Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s started as a family chain in 1986 and the transitioned into a major success post their merger with Outback Steakhouse. They rebranded to Bloomin’ Brands and opened additional local and in international branches. Carraba’s is one of many restaurants under Bloomin’ Brands but the one with the most closures.
Carrabba’s
Starbucks
When thinking of Starbucks, one does not instantly think “restaurant” but let’s remember they do sell food and desserts besides their well-known coffee. The coffee giant made an unexpected and major announcement in 2018, they would be shutting 150 locations across the U.S down in order to utilize their market and increase revenues. This rate of closures is three times the norm for Starbucks.
Starbucks
T.G.I. Friday’s
T.G.I Friday’s was founded in New York City, in 1965. Their story is as sweet as their name. The idea behind the concept was to create a place specifically targeted at people in their twenties and thirties. It was intended to be a place for them to socialize in a fun, yet relaxing environment. In today’s day and age, the joint is less popular amongst those in their twenties and thirties. Unfortunately, they decided to close down branches in prime locations like Tallahassee, Staten Island, and Washington DC. This began in 2018 and 2019.
TGI Fridays
Papa Murphy’s
We know the stress of pizza not being hot when ordered for delivery, that fresh hot slice is what it is all about! Thanks to Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake method you will never have to worry again. You receive your pizza at the window and take it home to be baked. Although the idea sounds exciting they did have to close more than 60 locations in the past two years.
Papa Murphy’s
Taco Bell
Taco Bell may be Mexican inspired but it truly is not a great representation of authentic Mexican cuisine. They have decided to try an international expansion, outside of the U.S. However, this is really pricey. In 2019, Taco Bell had to close branches in Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and multiple branches in Maine.
Taco Bell
Pollo Tropical
Pollo Tropical has been a favorite for Southern Floridians for years, their Caribbean cooking is a huge hit. They started expanding to other populations such as Cubans, Venezuelans, and Haitians, but the company was unable to find its stronghold. They aimed to open a branch or two in Texas but never managed to get there. As 2019 rolled around they had suffered drastic financial losses and closed 23 branches. In 2019, they continued closing some key branches.
Pollo Tropical
Papa John’s
Papa John’s has been ranked as the fourth largest pizza delivery restaurant in the U.S and they are struggling! The founder found himself in a tough situation after using a terrible racial slur last year, this led to his resignation. Not only were their customers outraged but the change in management all played a role in the decrease in sales by 7.8%. Due to the major change, they were warned that closures would begin from 2019. The estimated amount of closures was set at 250 branches.
Papa John’s
Pie Five
Looking for a custom and handmade pizza, made just to your specific taste? Do you long for it to be ready in five minutes? Well, Pie Five is the place for you. It has not even been a decade but the smart concept caught on in the U.S and evolved way past Texas. Just as fast as they were hyped up they began to rapidly drop. The chain had to close over 30 restaurants in the past few years and will be closing even more in the year to come.
Pie Five
Pizza Rev
Pizza Rev has only been on the map for a little less than a decade. They have already managed to make a name for themselves. As California’s version of Pie Five which enabled customers to get their quick and custom pizzas no wonder the idea went down well. They had to close 9 locations in 2019 due to a few issues over the years, but the idea is still alive and being copied in other states.
Pizza Rev
Eat ‘N Park
Eat ‘N Park food was enjoyed by West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio for over 7 decades. The restaurant is doing well on the business front, Ohio locals, unfortunately, lost five branches in 2019. However, on the bright side, the locations that are left are being remodeled and made to a higher standard.
Eat ‘N Park
Subway
Subway is a favorite across the globe but even they have had a few closures over their lifetime. In 2018 alone, Subway had to shut down a major 1,000 restaurants in the U.S. 2019 unfortunately, had more closures in store. They are still the biggest chain restaurant on the globe. However, the company utilizes its most profitable branches and for good reason.
Subway
Chipotle
In 2019, Chipotle closed over 50 branches. The chain is actually becoming more popular, however, they have undergone a few heavy setbacks in recent years which has dented the company’s reputation. The restaurant was faced with some bad light in the public eye a few years back when customers got sick with E. coli during two outbreaks which were linked to the food they had consumed at Chipotle. Adding to the riskiness in 2019, a cyber-attack allowed the personal details of customers to be at risk. However, in 2019 they managed to open over 150 new branches- they must be doing something right.
Chipotle
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Well, today’s generation may be worried about health but the name has certainly not scared them. Potbelly recently decided to expand internationally to India. They may be expanding but they are also contracting. Three years prior to opening their Toronto branch, all their shops had to close by 2019. They are truly struggling to sell the chain.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Jack In The Box
Jack in the Box is not as successful as its competitors. They opened in 1951 and kids were still intent on choosing McDonald’s over what they had to offer. Today it’s pretty equal in favoritism. The burger chain has been losing a lot of business since 2018 and has had to close a few branches due to the loss. The company thinks that they will be closing down at least 14 stores this coming year.
Jack In The Box
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company was founded in 1995 and were successful in their starting years. However, their revenue began to decrease in the years to follow. Following the 200s people were not as interested in noodles. In 2016, the restaurant had a data breach which compromised the information of their customers across the country. The security breach cost Noodles & Company $11 million. As a result, they had to close 10% of their restaurants in 2018.
Noodles & Company
Joe’s Crab Shack
This informal seafood spot specializes in huge buckets of crab, stuffed shrimp, and a ton of other comfort dishes. Joe’s Crab Shack was absolutely adored, however, it may have been due to their competition with other seafood restaurants like Bubba Gump that made customers not as keen on the chain. The company had to file for bankruptcy in 2017 which led to the closure of 41 branches. More locations are expected to close this year but there are 58 locations still working.
Joe’s Crab Shack
Howard Johnson’s
Howard Johnson’s was adored by everyone for their fried clam as well as the 28 flavors of ice cream they specialize in. There used to be more than 1,000 roadside branches n the ’60s and ’70s. Founded in 1925, Howard Johnson’s is now holding on with everything they have left but the New York restaurant has unfortunately closed its last branch.
Howard Johnson’s
Houlihan’s
Houlihan’s was founded in 1972 when the co-founders purchased a previous haberdashery called Tom Houlihan’s Men’s Wear. The architect referred o his project as “Houlihan’s Old Place” and since then it stuck. The company truly did everything by the book but they have somehow landed themselves in $50 million in debt and have had to close a whole bunch of locations.
Houlihan’s
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Very well-known for their burritos, taquitos and a salsa bar where you can self-serve. In 1990 the bar opened but was later bought by Wendy’s in 2002. back in their prime time, there used to be 300 units in just 21 states. Unfortunately, the tables have turned and locations began closing not soon after, in 2004.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Ground Round
Ground Round was established in 1969, their slogan is as follows, “The place for families, friends and sports fans”. They had over 100 locations back in 2004, however, this is when they had to file for bankruptcy. They were almost forced to abruptly forclose their locations too. However, you can still find them today in 17 places.
Ground Round
Pinkberry
Pinkberry first opened its doors in West Hollywood back in 2005. It soon rose to fame and became a hub for celebrity sightings. The yogurt was truly magical but it was not enough as the company managed to reach 21 countries. In 2015, Pinkberry locations numbers dropped with only 139 locations all in the U.S.
Pinkberry
Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr is one of the most well-known and loved food chains across the U.S and Canada, it is owned by CKJE Restaurant Holdings. What first started out as a hot dog cart in 1941 later became a major restaurant chain. Unfortunately, although extremely popular they have had to face the closure of multiple stores each year. Luckily for them, they still have 1,490 branches up and running…for now.
Carl’s Jr.