Popular National Restaurant Chain Closes Only MD Location

National barbecue chain Smokey Bones recently shuttered its last Maryland location as it quietly closes stores nationwide amid ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.

Parent company FAT Brands confirmed with Fast Company that it had closed the Maryland store located at 15209 Major Lansdale Blvd. in Bowie. The location was one of 31 remaining Smokey Bones restaurants in the U.S.

Smokey Bones was known for its barbecue platters, ribs and steak.'

The confirmation by FAT Brands came after numerous local media outlets across the country reported that their Smokey Bones restaurants abruptly and permanently closed on Tuesday.

The closures follow the decision by FAT Brands to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure more than $1 billion in debt. The company filed in January.

"The Chapter 11 process will provide us with the opportunity to strengthen our capital structure to support our concepts and ensure they remain at the forefront of their sectors," Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands, said in a statement at the time. "Our focus in this process remains providing quality service to our customers and supporting our franchise partners and the over 45,000 corporate and franchise employees."

Smokey Bones is directly owned by Twin Hospitality Group, a subsidiary of FAT Brands, which also owns Fatburger, Great American Cookies, Round Table Pizza and more, according to Fast Company.

FAT Brands previously said it planned to close more than a dozen underperforming locations across its brands, but expected its other restaurants to continue operating as normal.

However, in March, Nation’s Restaurant News reported that FAT Brands was preparing to sell all or part of its assets. According to a court filing obtained by Fast Company, FAT Brands found a successful bidder, as well as a backup bidder.