Largest Barbecue Chain in U.S. Quietly Shuttering Locations

The largest barbecue chain restaurant in the U.S. has had a wave of closure following a challenging start to 2024.

Chain Restaurants Closing In 2024

The year hasn't always been easy for chain restaurants. Last year really wasn't much better for them either.

So far in 2024, we've had several recognizable names among chain restaurants shuttering locations for a variety of reasons with some even declaring bankruptcy. Those closing locations include:

(A complete list of chains closing locations follows below.)

It's not always the quality of food that is driving customers away. In many of these cases, the story behind the closings is the same. Rising food and labor costs are affecting chains of all sizes.

Barbecue Chain Closes Nearly 100 Locations

At one time, there were more than 500 Dickey's Barbecue Pit restaurants scattered around the U.S. According to the company's website, the brand grew from a single location that opened in Dallas in 1941 to a nationwide chain.

Dickey's specializes in quick-serve barbecue fare, from meats to a variety of sides.

The food blog Eat This, Not That! found that Dickey's "shaved 19% of its American footprint" in its 2024 fiscal year. As of the end of May, 97 locations had closed.

Additionally, the website says 106 Dickey's locations changed hands during that time as they were sold to other franchisees.

"Coupled with the closures, this means that 46% of Dickey's restaurants were either shuttered or changed hands during the 2024 fiscal year," Eat This, Not That! reported.

Big Brands Closing Locations in 2024

Here is a look at some of our favorite big brands that will be closing locations in an effort to stop losing money at stores that are underperforming.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins