BBQ chain closes half its restaurants, files Chapter 11

Popular BBQ joint, Smokehouse Grill, has announced that it will be closing over 200 locations across the country as part of a larger restructuring effort. According to reports, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an attempt to reorganize and stay afloat.

The move comes after years of declining sales and increased competition from rival chains. Smokehouse Grill had been expanding rapidly over the past decade, but struggled to maintain profitability as consumer preferences shifted towards more casual dining options.

• The company will be closing around 50% of its locations, with the remaining restaurants undergoing significant renovations and menu updates in an effort to attract new customers.
• A spokesperson for Smokehouse Grill stated that the closure of underperforming locations would allow the company to focus on its strongest markets and improve overall efficiency.

The news has sent shockwaves through the BBQ industry, with many industry insiders expressing concern about the potential impact on employees and local communities. As a loyal customer of Smokehouse Grill, we're sad to see this happen – but also curious to see how the company will emerge from this challenging period.