This past year has unfortunately been filled with upsetting news. A lot of the greatest stores are now liquidating all across the country. Both retail stores and restaurants have been suffering during this difficult period. Aside from decreasing staff, other restaurants have been closing completely. Read on to find out which of your favorites are closing down.
Say Farewell To These Chain Restaurants – They’re Closing
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is a well-known name all over the world. It was established in 1958 and now has about 18,431 branches. The first Pizza Hut opened in Wichita, Kansas. This is another of the many chains owned by Yum! Brands. Just in the US, there are approximately 7,500 branches. Recently, the company announced it will be foreclosing 500 locations that aren’t doing well. This process will take about two years to complete.
Pizza Hut
Luby’s
Have you heard of the restaurants Luby’s, Koo Koo Roo, Fuddruckers, and Cheeseburger in Paradise? All these originally came from Luby’s. Luby’s Cafeteria was the original name back when the restaurant was founded in 1947. Later on, it was rebranded. Luby’s announced they will be shutting down the less successful branches out of their 83 locations. The chain has done this in the past – it has boosted its profits to $6.6 million.
Luby’s
Steak ‘N Shake
The first-ever Steak ‘N Shake opened up in Normal, Illinois back in 1934. The franchise now has locations in America, Southwest Europe, and the Middle East. Today, there are 628 locations – 214 of them are franchised. Currently, the company is searching for a franchise partner. In the meantime, they will be closing down a few dozen restaurants.
Steak ‘N Shake
O’Charley’s
O’Charly’s first opened in 1971 and now has almost 200 restaurants in the South and Midwest. They had just closed eight restaurants in just one day. In fact, they’d closed others since. The whole franchise is in danger of closing, but at the moment, Fidelity Nationality is deciding whether they will assist the struggling chain to stay open.
O’Charley’s
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons opened its headquarters in Toronto and is the largest fast-food chain in the country. Tim Horton and Jim Charade are the founders. They wanted to open a hamburger place but instead went with coffee and donuts. Nowadays, the chain has 4,848 branches worldwide, but it will be downsizing and closing the locations that aren’t profiting.
Tim Hortons
Red Robin
Red Robin first opened in Seattle, Washington in 1969. Ten years later, the brand developed its first franchised restaurant. Now, the company holds an impressive 562 restaurants. 90 of those are franchises in themselves. However, they’ve recently succumbed to a bad decline of 85.4% and will have to shut down ten restaurants.
Red Robin
HomeTown Buffet
HomeTown Buffet opened in 1983 and at one point had 250 restaurants. A descendant of Ovation Brands which actually belongs to Food Management Partners, the buffet-style joint is being run by management. The adjustment hasn’t been all that good for the chain. Since that happened in August 2019, they’ve closed more than 200 restaurants.
HomeTown Buffet
McCormick & Schmick’s
The seafood chain already closed over half of its branches and will be closing even more this upcoming year. Owned by Landry’s Inc, McCormick & Schmick was founded in Oregon. There are currently 40 of their restaurants around the U.S. and another five in Canada. According to its revenue, net income, assets, and equity, the business is quickly declining. The headquarters are going to be moved to Texas and Landry’s is shutting down branches.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Fuddruckers
Once, Fuddruckers was the place for crispy chicken fingers. At one point, there were almost 111 franchises and 77 branches that were owned and run by the company. Their revenue currently stands at $150 million and they plan on increasing it by closing down specific stores. They’ve been through plenty of ownership changes, but the headquarters remain in Texas.
Fuddruckers
Roy Rogers
Specializing in burgers, Roy Rogers branches are mainly found in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas. The restaurant is named after the old-school western actor, Roy Rogers. Before it was bought by the Mariot hotel corporation, this chain was known as RoBee’s House of Beef. The sales campaign was successful and attracted customers with its aggressiveness. All this led the chain to have 600 branches at one point. The parent company, Hardee’s, bought the franchise in 1990 and now there are only 48 restaurants standing.
Roy Rogers
Boston Market
Once known as Boston Chicken, Boston Marken is famous for its unique rotisserie chicken, only with a different name. Sun Capital is the owner and this chain can be found mainly in the Northeast and Midwest areas as well as Florida. In 2013, there were 462 branches. However, since then, the business has not been booming. The franchise announced they were undergoing a “multifaceted transformation plan.”
Boston Market
Perkins
Originating in Cincinnati, Ohio, Perkins was a privately owned enterprise that was named Pancake House. The breakfast and bakery chain renamed itself to Perkins Family Restaurant years later. These restaurants can be found in 32 U.S. states as well as in four regions in Canada. The one who owns Perkins is none other than Marie Callenders. In 2019, the chain filed for bankruptcy. This led to many store closures as well as 25,000 employees being laid off.
Perkins
Friendly’s
Mostly found on the East coast, Friendly’s has changed a lot since its opening in 1935. The chain declared bankruptcy a few years back. However, it managed to make a comeback with a completely new menu. Now, there are 167 locations, but they will be shutting down specific branches that aren’t making enough of a profit.
Friendly’s
Del Taco
Del Taco was founded in the 1960s and sells burgers and fries despite the fact that it’s a Mexican-inspired restaurant. This restaurant is most popular in the West and Southwest areas. Now, they have 564 restaurants. However, the less popular locations will be shut down this year. All the same, Del Taco is looking for franchising possibilities. In 2015, Levy Acquisition bought them, making them a public company. Even though their expansions plans were unsuccessful, they still make a decent revenue.
Del Taco
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is a relative to IHOP, meaning they are both shutting down branches. With 1,830 restaurants worldwide, most of them are franchised. Nowadays they aren’t doing as well as they once did. At one point, the revenue stood at $2.5 billion and its assets at $935 million with 28,000 employees.
Applebee’s
IHOP
The International House Of Pancakes is a fan-favorite and is owned by Dine Brands Global. Originating in Los Angeles, California, the headquarters have been there ever since. The Waffle House is a famous rival of the chain, but it’s been said they are also shutting down a few stores. Currently, IHOP’s revenues aren’t disclosed, but they once were standing at $350 billion.
IHOP
Burger King
The classic burger place was founded in 1966 and was formerly known as Insta-Burger King. As of now, Burger King has 17,800 restaurants within the country, but the number has been quickly declining. Every year, 200-500 locations are allegedly closing down.
Burger King
Ruby Tuesday
A very popular local joint, Ruby Tuesday can be compared to TGI Friday and Applebee’s. Established in 1972 in Knoxville, Tennesse, it has about 491 branches open currently. Most of them are located on the East Coast. The company recently explained how their declining income will be resulting in the closure of most of its stores.
Ruby Tuesday
Marie Callender’s
The local pie haven is home to some of the best pies you will ever have – especially the key lime pie. Marie Callender’s was started by none other than Marie Callender herself. She came up with the idea and got it going while living in a trailer park. Originally, Marie began baking pies to support her family, but the restaurant became a massive success. Unfortunately, in 2009, the family went through a hard time which resulted to problems with the restaurant. Marie’s husband passed away and since then, the restaurant had been struggling. It filed for bankruptcy and shut down many of its branches.
Marie Callender’s
Kona Grill
Kona Grill is known for its sushi. Established in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1989, the franchise currently has over 40 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. However, they have been dealing with potential foreclosures. In 2019, it was announced the company would be filing for bankruptcy. There is still hope for a potential merge despite the fact that the CEO might resign.
Kona Grill
Quiznos
In 2014, Quiznos declared bankruptcy. However, the sandwich joint somehow managed to make it back to life – they decreased their debt by $400 million. They had 5,000 locations all over the world. Now, however, there are only 800. They started closing branches down in 2007 and shut down 1,000 restaurants in America.
Quiznos
Carrabba’s
In 1986, Carrabba’s began as a family chain and then transitioned into a major success after their merger with Outback Steakhouse. After that, they rebranded to Bloomin’ Brands and opened additional local and international branches. While Carrabba’s is one of many restaurants owned by Bloomin’ Brands, it is the one with the most closures.
Carrabba’s
Starbucks
When you think of Starbucks, we’re sure you don’t immediately think “restaurant”. However, let’s keep in mind that they do sell food and desserts in addition to their famous coffee. The coffee giant made an unexpected and huge announcement back in 2018. They said they would be closing down 150 locations in America in order to utilize their market and increase revenue. This rate of closure is three times the norm for the brand.
Starbucks
T.G.I. Friday’s
TGI Friday’s was established in New York City back in 1965. Their story is as sweet as the name. The idea behind the chain was to make a place targeted at people in their twenties and thirties. It was made to be somewhere they can socialize in a fun but relaxing environment. Today, the joint is less than popular among those in their twenties and thirties. Sadly, the chain decided to close branches is main locations like Tallahassee, Staten Island, and Washington D.C.
TGI Fridays
Papa Murphy’s
We know how stressful it is for pizza to stay hot when you order it – that piping hot slice is what it’s all about! With Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake method, that’s one thing customers won’t have to worry about again. You get your pizza at the window and take it home to bake. While the idea sounds great, the chain did close down over 60 locations over the past 2 years.
Papa Murphy’s
Taco Bell
While Taco Bell is Mexican-inspired, it really isn’t the best representation of authentic Mexican cuisine. They’ve decided to try an international expansion outside of the United States. However, this turned out to be really pricey. In 2019, the chain closed down branches in Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and multiple branches in Maine as well.
Taco Bell
Pollo Tropical
A Southern Florida favorite, Pollo Tropical’s Caribbean cooking has been a massive hit. The company started expanding to other populations like Cubans, Venezuelans, and Haitians, but the company wasn’t able to pull it off. It aimed to open a branch or two in Texas but never got there. In 2019, the chain suffered serious financial losses and closed down 23 branches.
Pollo Tropical
Papa John’s
Ranked the fourth largest pizza delivery restaurant in the U.S., Papa John’s is struggling all the same. The founder was in a tough situation after using a terrible racial slur last year. This led to his resignation. Aside from the customers being outraged, the change in management also played a role in the 7.8% sales decrease. Thanks to the major change, the company warned there would be closures in 2019. It was estimated that 250 branches would be closed.
Papa John’s
Pie Five
Are you looking for a custom, handmade pizza that was made for your specific taste? Do you want it to be ready in five minutes’ time? Then Pie Five is the right place for you. While it’s around for less than a decade, the smart concept caught on in the U.S. and has taken off. However, just as fast as it rose, it began to drop. The chain has closed down over 30 restaurants in the last few years and will be closing even more in the year to come.
Pie Five
Pizza Rev
While Pizza Rev had only existed for just under a decade, they’ve already managed to make a serious name for themselves. This is the California version of Pie Five which enabled customers to get quick custom pizzas. No wonder the idea went down well. However, due to issues over the years, the chain has had to close 9 locations in 2019. Still, the idea is alive and being copied in other states as well.
Pizza Rev
Eat ‘N Park
For over 7 decades, Eat ‘N Park food has been enjoyed by West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio residents. While the restaurant is doing well on the business front, Ohio locals, unfortunately, lost 5 branches in 2019 alone. On the bright side, the locations left are being remodeled.
Eat ‘N Park
Subway
A worldwide favorite, Subway is one successful company that has had some closures over its lifetime. Just in 2018, Subway shut down 1,000 branched in the United States. Unfortunately, in 2019, there were more closures. Despite all that, Subway is still the biggest chain restaurant in the world.
Subway
Chipotle
In 2019, Chipotle closed more than 50 branches. However, the chain is actually becoming more popular. It’s gone through a few serious setbacks in the last few years which dented the company’s reputation. A few years back, customers got sick with E. coli which were linked to the food they ate at Chipotle. Then, in 2019, a cyber-attack allowed personal details of customers to be exposed. Still, in 2019, the company managed to open over 150 new branches so they must be doing something right.
Chipotle
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Today’s generation might be worried about health, but the name of this restaurant certainly hasn’t scared them. Recently, Potbelly expanded internationally to India. While they’re expanding, they are also contracting. Three years before they opened the Toronto branch, all their shops closed by 2019. They are seriously struggling to sell the chain.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Jack In The Box
Jack in the Box isn’t doing as well as its competitors. The franchise opened in 1951 and kids were still choosing McDonald’s over what they had to offer. Today it’s become rather equal to the other chains. However, the burger chain has been losing a lot of business since 2018 and has had to close down a few branches as a result. The company thinks it’s closing down at least 14 stores this year.
Jack In The Box
Noodles & Company
Founded in 1995, Noodles & Company was successful in its starting years. However, the revenue started decreasing as the years went by. In the 2000s, people weren’t as interested in noodles as they once were. In 2016, the company had a data breach that compromised their customers’ information all across the country. In fact, this security breach cost the company $11 million. As a result, they had to close 10% of their restaurants in 2018.
Noodles & Company
Joe’s Crab Shack
The informal seafood spot specializes in huge buckets of crab, stuffed shrimp, and loads of other comfort dishes. While Joe’s Crab Shack was adored, its competition with other seafood restaurants like Bubba Gump made customers less keen on the chain. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2017 which led to it closing 41 branches. Even more locations are expected to be shut down this year, but 58 locations are still working.
Joe’s Crab Shack
Howard Johnson’s
Everyone adored Howard Johnson’s fried clam as well as the 28 flavors of ice cream they had. There used to be over 1,000 branches in the ’60s and ’70s. The franchise was founded in 1925 and is now holding on with everything they have left. Unfortunately, the New York restaurant just closed its last branch.
Howard Johnson’s
Houlihan’s
Founded in 1972 when the co-founders bought a previous haberdashery named Tom Houlihan’s Men’s Wear, the architect referred to the project as “Houlihan’s Old Place”. Since then, the name stuck. The company did everything by the book but they somehow landed themselves in $50 million in debt and had to close down a lot of locations.
Houlihan’s
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Famous for its burritos, taquitos, and a self-serve salsa bar, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill opened in 1990. In 2002, the bar was bought by Wendy’s. Back in its prime time, there were 300 locations in 21 states. Sadly, however, the tables have turned and locations started closing soon after, in 2004.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Ground Round
Established in 1969, Ground Round’s slogan is “The place for families, friends and sports fans”. With over 100 locations in 2004, the company eventually had to file for bankruptcy. In fact, they were almost forced to suddenly foreclose their locations as well. Still, today they have 17 branches.
Ground Round
Pinkberry
Back in 2005, Pinkberry opened in West Hollywood. Soon, it rose to fame and became a popular celebrity hangout. The yogurt truly was magical, but it wasn’t enough apparently. The company reached 21 countries, but in 2015, the number of locations dropped to 139 in the U.S. and no more.
Pinkberry
Carl’s Jr.
One of the most famous and loved food chains in the U.S. and Canada, Carl’s Jr. is owned by CKJE Restaurant Holdings. What started out as a hot dog cart in 1941 later became a huge restaurant chain. Sadly, even with their popularity, the company had to close down multiple stores each year. Thankfully, they still have 1,490 branches running – for now.
Carl’s Jr.