Smokey Bones, the Orlando-based barbecue chain known for its house-smoked meats, handcrafted cocktails and specialty drinks, is under new leadership and closing more than a dozen underperforming locations.
Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Smokey Bones, announced the news in early September.
The company also introduced the chain’s new president, Ken Brendemihl, who will assume the leadership role and brings more than 25 years of experience overseeing other popular restaurant chains nationwide, according to a news release.
“I look forward to hitting the ground running as we embark on this transitional period that will set the foundation for Smokey Bones’ long-term success,” Brendemihl said.
More than 15 locations have closed or are expected to close this year
CEO Kim Boerema praised the “beloved brand” and said that since joining Twin Hospitality, the company has launched a “full spending review” of both brands to eliminate strategies that are no longer working and keep them moving in the right direction.
“I have also focused on reviewing the Smokey Bones portfolio, closing underperforming units, identifying strong candidates for conversion, and supporting profitable locations that will remain Smokey Bones. Ken will step in immediately bringing his deep operational expertise and proven track record to lead Smokey Bones into its next chapter,” Boerema said.
Twin Hospitality had already identified 15 underperforming locations across the U.S., with 10 stores already closed and the remaining five expected to shutter before the end of the fiscal third quarter, the company said.
Two converted Twin Peaks locations have already outperformed Smokey Bones
Closing underperforming locations and trimming $1.5 million in overhead is expected to boost EBITDA, while the remaining 26 Smokey Bones restaurants are expected to remain profitable. The company plans to franchise select locations, creating a balanced mix of corporate and franchise operations that will support future growth and expansion.
FAT Brands Inc., which operates other brands such as Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Great American Cookies, Fazoli’s, and Twin Peaks, acquired Smokey Bones in 2023. In January, Smokey Bones and Twin Peaks merged under the Twin Hospitality umbrella.
The company is converting 19 underperforming locations into Twin Peaks lodges, with two already generating $7.8 million, compared with $3.5 million as Smokey Bones. One restaurant in Lakeland, Florida, was converted in late 2024, according to National Restaurant News. A third conversion is expected to open later this year, the company said.
