Expect Less Of These Restaurant Chains In 2024

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $349.6 million (2022)*

The legendary IHOP in West Hollywood closed in January 2024, leaving an empty parking lot in its place. Despite the remaining holiday decorations, a notice on the door announced the closing at 8461 Santa Monica Blvd, thanking customers for their support and recommending them to the Hollywood store at 7006 Sunset Blvd. A voicemail echoed the shutdown message, apologizing for any trouble caused. The abrupt closure serves as a reminder of the changing landscape for eateries, with enterprises adapting to problems and sometimes closing their doors permanently.

Locations Closing: 36
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $2 billion (2021)*

TGI Fridays has closed 36 “underperforming” sites in the United States (East and West Coast) as part of its “ongoing growth strategy.” The move, which aims to optimize operations and improve customer experiences, is consistent with the company’s long-term goals. TGI Fridays U.S. President Ray Risley underscored the company’s dedication to providing an outstanding guest experience. While job transfers have been given to 80% of the affected employees, the closures demonstrate the brand’s commitment to simplifying operations and enhancing its franchise model in chosen areas around the country. Dining fans may need to change their plans when TGI Fridays reshapes its territory.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $414.7 million (2022)*

McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant in Oak Brook closed on New Year’s Day after 15 years. The seafood and steak restaurant at 3001 Butterfield Road closed, leaving only two additional Illinois sites in Rosemont and Chicago. Despite the Oak Brook closure, the franchise, which began in 1974 in Portland, Oregon, continues to operate 18 sites across the country, including Indianapolis. The move reflects a strategic shift while maintaining a presence in key markets, affecting loyal Oak Brook Promenade customers.

Locations Closing: 400
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $1.9 billion (2023)*

Burger King closed a further six restaurants in the late fall of 2023, as part of its plan to close up to 400 outlets in the next years (and maybe 2024). Since the spring of 2023, dozens of stores have closed, and those closures may continue until 2024. The closures are purposefully directed at “older and lower-performing restaurants,” according to the company’s CEO. This action demonstrates Burger King’s dedication to refining its portfolio and optimizing performance in the face of changing market conditions, which may have an impact on the company’s accessibility in specific places.

Locations Closing: 23 Temporarily
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $35.976 billion (2023)*

Starbucks is under investigation for reportedly closing almost two dozen outlets illegally, including eight in Western Washington, and hindering union activities. The National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against the Seattle-based coffee company, requesting the reopening of all 23 shops and compensation for missed earnings. This incident occurred in late 2023, and it may have consequences for Starbucks in 2024, impacting the company’s reputation and potentially influencing labor practices and employee interactions in the future year.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $560 million (2022)*

After more than a decade of serving the neighborhood, Bonefish Grill in Boise, Idaho, has permanently closed. The famous seafood restaurant, which had been a neighborhood institution for 15 years, closed on January 14, leaving employees, including Assistant Manager Ahmad Alharbyah, devastated by the unexpected closure. A sign on the door says goodbye, signaling the end of an era for customers who adored the establishment. The shutdown underscores the issues that restaurants confront, highlighting the impact on both employees and the local community.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $1.256 million per franchise (2023)*

The aroma of fried chicken and biscuits disappeared in central Ohio as Church’s Chicken and KFC closed their outposts. The Church’s Texas Chicken location at 4488 E Main St. in Whitehall was scheduled to be temporarily closed, but three months later, as of January 2024, there was no evidence of reopening. Employees at the Cleveland, OH facility voiced anxiety about future plans. Recent reports had noted understaffing, long drive-thru lineups, and long wait times, indicating operational issues.

Locations Closing: Up to 100
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $2.09 billion (2023)*

Locations Closing: 1 (Late 2023) 
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $3.6 billion (2022)*

After almost six decades of family operation, a BRK Grill & Chill in Gettysburg, Adams County, is closing. The restaurant at 230 Steinwehr Avenue announced its closure on Facebook, with the last day on Saturday, December 23, after a decade of serving the community. It remains to be seen what will replace the store in 2024. The letter expressed gratitude to regular customers and highlighted the friendship on Steinwehr Avenue as well as collaborative involvement in community events. The closure marks the end of an era for a popular family-run franchise in the heart of Gettysburg.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $509.5 million*

Noodles & Company has closed its doors at the Vienna Marketplace shopping mall after nearly two decades of operation due to exorbitant rent. The closure was announced on January 24, with a flier thanking consumers for their support. The chain recommends visiting the nearest location in Idylwood Plaza. Though the successor is unknown, The Burn says that Call Your Mother Deli will take over the vacant Cold Stone Creamery space nearby. Noodles & Company had been a Vienna mainstay since at least 2007, establishing an early footprint in the Washington, D.C. area. The closure contributes to the shifting gastronomic landscape of Vienna Marketplace.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Unconfirmed

Joe’s Crab Shack’s Clifton branch in New Jersey abruptly shuttered on December 31, 2023, alleging a natural lease expiration. Following the shutdown of the seafood chain at 405 Allwood Rd. in The Promenade Shops at Clifton, the region now has only one outlet. Terry Turney, COO of Joe’s Crab Shack, thanked the town for its years of support and assured employees of efforts to relocate them to adjacent sister sites. Joe’s Crab Shack in Clifton has closed abruptly, signaling the end of an era.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $363.5 million (2022)*

Pollo Tropical closed in 2023, leaving the Regency section of Arlington without its vivid tastes. The Ferber Co. announced that Panda Express will take over the old Pollo Tropical location at 9370 Atlantic Blvd. in the Regency Park shopping area. Ferber paid $2 million buying the site from Pollo Operations Inc. and intends to reintroduce Panda Express to the region, highlighting his desire to restore a familiar taste to the community following Pollo Tropical’s departure in fall 2023.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $4.1 billion (2022)*

Chili’s, a prominent casual restaurant business, is closing its prime site at 8136 Providence Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. The closure, set for January 9, continues a trend of restaurant closures affecting competitors such as TGI Fridays. According to a spokeswoman, the closure is due to an expiring lease at the crowded Arboretum shopping district, which is near Walmart, Sephora, and Barnes & Noble. As the dining establishment landscape transforms, Chili’s presence in that specific location comes to an end, leaving a hole in the culinary scene near these important shopping areas.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $6.8 billion (2022)*

KFC has bid a fond farewell to its famous restaurant in The Avenue Retail Park on Weaverthorpe Road in Bradford. The famous establishment, famed for its buckets of fried chicken, gravy, shakes, and fries, had long been a neighborhood favorite. With the shutdown, only six KFCs remain open in the Bradford district. A representative expressed gratitude to dedicated fans and encouraged them to explore other neighboring locations. As part of a bigger strategy, KFC plans to buy existing shops operated by the EG Group, a franchisee and sister company of grocer Asda.

Locations Closing: 5
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $1.192 million per franchise (2023)*

Five Hardee’s restaurants in central Illinois have shuttered, with one already finding a new owner. The Chatham Hardee’s closed unexpectedly on a Monday, and by Wednesday, the property at 331 N. Main St. had a new owner. Jay Clark, a broker with The Real Estate Group, stated that some leases were about to expire, which could influence the closures. Restaurants in Springfield, Virden, Champaign, and Monticello have all been affected. As changes ripple through the fast-food market, the closures indicate a shift in Hardee’s position in the area.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $49.9 million (2022)*

Pieology Pizzeria, a prominent “build-your-own” pizza company, appears to have closed its location at The UV Business Center in Sacramento, California. The abrupt shutdown signifies a shift in the local dining scene, denying customers the ability to customize their pizzas at this location. As the “build-your-own” idea evolves, the closure symbolizes the competitive nature of the restaurant industry, where adjusting to consumer preferences and market dynamics is critical for long-term success.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $800-$900 million (2023)*

California Pizza Kitchen has announced the permanent closing of their facility in the Fountains at Roseville, California, one of the city’s most notable shopping areas. The withdrawal of the popular eatery from this bustling retail center may indicate changes in consumer tastes or strategic corporate reasons. As customers ruminate on the closure, the Roseville culinary landscape shifts, underscoring the restaurant industry’s dynamic nature and the need for establishments to adjust to changing market conditions.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $720.6 million (2022)*

White Castle, a famous fast-food restaurant, will permanently close its 4020 Shelbyville Road location on Christmas Day 2023, as stated by the exterior marquee. The placard said that the last operating day was Christmas Eve. Although that particular restaurant closed, the Louisville, Kentucky area still has several other White Castle locations, allowing fans to satiate their desires in adjacent sites such as 3705 Bardstown Road, 2350 Greene Way, and 9493 Westport Road. We’ll have to wait and see which chain takes its position in 2024.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $469.43 million (2023)*

Denny’s has closed their restaurant in Oakland, California, after 54 years of operation, citing safety and crime issues. The choice was not taken lightly, with the corporation prioritizing the safety of its employees and guests. The shutdown represents the problems that businesses confront in the face of safety issues, and while challenging, it emphasizes the significance of prioritizing the security of both employees and customers in the ever-changing food sector scene.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $625 million (2021)*

McAlister’s Deli has closed its Charlotte shop at 8136 Providence Road, making it the latest victim in the Arboretum Shopping Center. The shutdown follows another closure in the same complex within the last week, indicating a difficult period for local firms. The Arboretum Shopping Center has recently had a number business closures, demonstrating Charlotte’s changing retail and dining landscape. As McAlister’s Deli closes, the neighborhood considers the impact on local food options.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Unconfirmed

Jason’s Deli, located at 140 Alps Rd. in Athens, Ohio, is poised to close permanently, making way for a new dining alternative. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, the property will be transformed into First Watch, a Florida-based breakfast, brunch, and lunch chain restaurant. Jason’s Deli’s closure signals the end of an era in the Athens neighborhood, while First Watch’s approaching debut provides local residents with a new culinary viewpoint in the ever-changing dining landscape.

Locations Closing: 2
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Unconfirmed

PDQ has abruptly closed two of its New Jersey restaurants, leaving only one in the state as Raising Cane’s prepares to open. The chicken franchise closed its Cherry Hill (614 Haddonfield Rd.) and Sicklerville (610 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd.) locations on November 1, 2023, without providing an explanation for the unexpected closures. PDQ expressed grief at the decision, saying, “Our team has become deeply connected to the community, and we will miss seeing you, our loyal guests, every day.” Closures indicate changes in the competitive landscape of the region’s fast-food restaurants.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Unconfirmed

The Highlands Eat’n Park site in the Ohio Valley closed permanently on Monday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m., according to Courtney Capara, an Eat’n Park Restaurants spokesman. Capara expressed gratitude to the team members for their efforts to the Wheeling community. Despite the painful decision, employees were offered opportunities at other Eat’n Park Hospitality Group locations. Capara thanked visitors for their meals and memories, and invited them to visit the nearby St. Clairsville, Ohio, restaurant for more smiles and friendliness.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $100-$105 million (2022)*

As of January 2024, the Wahlburgers in Ross Township’s North Hills will be permanently closed. The eatery at The Block Northway announced its closure via Facebook without specifying the reason. They invited visitors to their Robinson Mall branch as a way of thanking employees and customers. The burger joint shuttered and thanked customers for cleaning off the food. Wahlburgers, founded by chef Paul Wahlberg, brother of Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, drew a large crowd when it debuted in 2018, with over 1,000 people lining up to see the famous siblings.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $134 million (2022)*

Momofuku Ko, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, closed on November 4 after 15 years of operation, following the closure of Momofuku Ssäm Bar the previous month. This decision is part of Momofuku’s larger reorganization initiatives since CEO Marguerite Zabar Mariscal took over leadership in 2019. The restructure includes adjustments to concepts, new locations, and pantry product additions in shops such as Whole Foods and Target. A company spokeswoman stated that they still own the restaurant facility, indicating that Ko’s current operations had been temporarily halted. Momofuku plans to introduce new restaurants in the coming year, including a return to its roots with Noodle Bar.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Unconfirmed

Milu, a laid-back Chinese restaurant at 235 Kent Ave in Williamsburg, NYC, has unexpectedly closed, joining the ranks of recently closed establishments such as Chez Ma Tante, Cafe Rosarito, and The Springs (though Chez Ma Tante’s closure is temporary). The owner, Vincent Chao, confirmed that Milu’s Williamsburg branch quietly closed its doors at the end of 2023, after a brief six-month stay in the neighborhood. Greenpointers first reported on Milu’s opening in February 2023, and the restaurant officially opened in Brooklyn in June of that year. Whoever takes over the space will have to deal with NYC’s high rental expenses.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Undisclosed

Johnny’s, a decades-old slice shop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, will close in January 2024, marking the end of an era for the neighborhood. A letter on its website underlined the difficulty of the choice but emphasized that it was the correct one, since the owners, John and Lilia Miniaci, are about to begin their retirement. Johnny’s, a decades-old slice shop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, will close in January 2024, marking the end of an era for the neighborhood. A letter on its website underlined the difficulty of the choice but emphasized that it was the correct one, since the owners, John and Lilia Miniaci, are about to begin their retirement.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $20.7 million (2019)*

Sugarfire Smoke House will close its Cedar Rapids restaurant on November 4, 2023, after about three years of operation. The decision comes despite issues that have arisen since the building repairs began in February 2020 and opened to the public in June 2020. In a social media post, the restaurant discussed the uphill battle and cited rising operational costs as the key cause for closure. Sugarfire sponsored Midnight Smoker BBQ in NewBo City Market to thank faithful customers and encourage them to experience top-notch barbecue at the suggested alternative in 2024.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Undisclosed

In late 2023, Black Lab Coffee’s downtown Springfield, Missouri store closed. Despite shutting one chapter, the company continues to grow, with locations open in Galloway Village and Republic, and a significant involvement in the community. Black Lab Coffee, known for its mobile coffee bar that serves baked products and espresso-based treats, remains committed to serving consumers in its surviving sites.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Unconfirmed

Fuddruckers says farewell to Waco, Texas, on December 24, ending nearly four decades of serving gourmet hamburgers. Since its launch in February 1985 on North Valley Mills Drive, the idea has grown in popularity thanks to made-to-order burgers, an on-site bakery, big-screen TVs, and a condiment cart that allows guests to customize their meals. Despite bankruptcy, liquidation, and ownership changes involving Pappas Restaurants, Luby’s Inc., and Black Titan LLC, among others, Waco’s Fuddruckers at 1411 N. Valley Mills Drive persevered, overcoming obstacles such as the pandemic.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Unconfirmed

Le Pain Quotidien in Clarendon will close in late January 2024, permanently departing Arlington, Virginia. The message on the bakery’s doors at 2900 Clarendon Blvd acknowledged the closing on Sunday and thanked the community for its support over the years. Le Pain Quotidien is known for its extensive products, which include baked goods, bread, salads, sandwiches, and beverages. It has over 50 locations countrywide, with six in the Washington, DC area. Clarendon Blvd shutdown coincides with the closure of other local companies, including Cava Mezze and Orvis. A spokesman declined to provide information concerning the closure.

Locations Closing: TBD
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Undisclosed

Bagger Dave’s, a famous regional fast-food company headquartered mostly in Michigan with 28 locations, is expected to suffer a decline by 2023. The company stood apart from traditional fast-food menus by selling both burgers and handmade pizza. Despite its once-thriving business, the majority of its outlets have quietly closed in the last year. While two major Burger King franchise operators filed bankruptcy, Bagger Dave’s owner, BT Brands, which owns around 40% of the shares, took a different strategy. Instead of declaring bankruptcy, they intended to consider strategic alternatives for the brand, indicating a possible sale, closure, or reorganization of the distinctive fast-food franchise.

Locations Closing: 4
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Undisclosed

In an unexpected move in late January 2024, the owner of JR’s Hometown Grill and Pub announced the permanent closure of all four Michigan locations, leaving customers upset, particularly those with thousands of dollars in gift cards. Customers were concerned about the destiny of their gift cards after receiving a brief notice notification on Facebook. With three of the four restaurants closing immediately, customers are left wondering about the worth of their unused gift cards and the abrupt end of a familiar dining option. The shutdown creates uncertainty for both consumers and the restaurant’s future, causing dissatisfaction and sadness in the surrounding community.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $10.37 billion (2022)*

Subway, the fast-food restaurant known for its submarine sandwiches, will close its Clay site at 4206 Route 31 in Syracuse’s northern suburbs on December 12, 2023. The closure notice, which was put on the door, contributed to changes in the local dining scene, especially given its proximity to the now-closed Great Northern Mall. The shutdown had left diners in the neighborhood with only one option for submarine sandwiches, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the fast-food sector in Syracuse’s northern suburbs.

Locations Closing: Unconfirmed
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $270 million*

Piccadilly, which has been in business for over 90 years and has sites throughout the South, has built a reputation as a family-run buffet-style restaurant franchise known for its cuisine. Despite its vast list of achievements, the company had financial difficulties. In 2023, the corporation unexpectedly closed sites in Jacksonville, Louisiana, and other towns, leaving consumers to worry about what had happened. Some believe it was owing to the buffet dining style falling out of favor, but no one can say for certain.

Locations Closing: N/A
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $3.44 billion (2023)*

Cracker Barrel had a challenging year in 2023, marked by the expansion of new enterprises as well as the closure of old ones. During the first half of the year, the company’s devoted consumers were concerned owing to the sudden closure of three locations. According to a spokeswoman, the consequences of the pandemic compelled them to make this painful decision. Another office was shuttered owing to ‘poor performance’, although former employees said it was due to safety concerns. Regardless, they launched new locations in the second half of the year, so we can only hope that these ventures are enough to support them.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: Undisclosed

Several Mexican restaurants in New York City closed in January 2024, despite the fact that this cuisine is among the most popular in America. Gina Mexicana was one of the businesses that closed, with the owners not even providing an explanation. Customers were eating there as recently as December, posting ratings on Google and Yelp, indicating that no one saw it coming. This is the worst-case scenario for foodies because it eliminates their last chance to eat at their favorite restaurants.

Locations Closing: 1
Annual Revenue Of Restaurant: $14.6 million (2023)*

Oath Pizza is a fast-casual pizza restaurant that has grown to 29 locations in a short period of time thanks to its franchising concept, which many have cited as the basis for its success. However, as the year 2024 began, the chain’s Third Avenue outlet closed. This judgment came as the company’s CEO, Andrew Kellogg, was facing a lawsuit for self-dealing. We are unable to remark on whether the two occurrences are related, but it is safe to state that company dynamics are evolving.