Restaurant chain closes Columbus location amid parent company’s bankruptcy

By Jordyn Paul-Slater

Updated April 29, 2026 10:52 AM

A Columbus location of a chain barbecue restaurant has closed.

After 20 years, the Smokey Bones Bar and Grill at 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. has closed its restaurant permanently, according to a sign posted on the building’s front door Tuesday.

“We regret to announce that this location has permanently closed its doors as of Tuesday, April 28th,” the sign says. “We thank our loyal guests for many wonderful years.”

A sign on the door of the Smokey Bones in Columbus says the restaurant has permanently closed as of April 28, 2026. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

The signage did not provide a reason for the closure; however, the chain has closed multiple locations across the nation, according to a People Magazine report.

Fat Brands Inc., the parent company of Smokey Bones, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January after accruing over $1 billion in debt. Twin Hospitality Group, the Fat Brands subsidiary that directly owns Smokey Bones, has also filed.

Fat Brands did not respond to the Ledger-Enquirer’s request for comment.

A sign on the door of the Smokey Bones in Columbus, Georgia said the restaurant has permanently closed as of April 28, 2026. 04/28/2026 Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 9:57 AM.

Jordyn Paul-Slater

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Jordyn Paul-Slater is the business and engagement reporter at the Ledger-Enquirer. Her work has appeared in publications such as Reuters, Fast Company and The New York Observer. She completed her master’s degree in specialized journalism at the University of Southern California and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from George Washington University.

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