National Restaurant Chain With MN Locations Downsizing

A national restaurant chain with a handful of locations in Minnesota said it is considering closing more locations.

Twenty Red Robin restaurant locations formerly considered for closure were moved off the closure list; about 20 additional underperforming units remain targeted for portfolio review in fiscal 2026. The move was mentioned in an earnings call last week.

"I think in terms of the restaurant (franchise) size, we are still trying to optimize the portfolio," Red Robin CEO David Paces said.

Red Robin closed 23 restaurants last year, finishing 2025 with 475 in the U.S., according to Restaurant Business.

Red Robin said it is not publicly sharing the corporate locations that could potentially close.

Despite the closure announcement, Red Robin remains optimistic about its future.

In January, the chain introduced a new menu featuring six meal options across a tiered price range of $9.99 to $16.99, extending beyond burgers into categories such as our hand-breaded Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Donatos pizza, and Whiskey River barbecue wraps.

Each meal includes signature bottomless sides and beverages.

Early results indicate that the menu is performing as expected, and that the average check has increased and remains healthy as guests engage across the menu, Paces said.

Minnesota Red Robin locations include:

• Apple Valley
• Plymouth
• Shoreview