Popular Restaurant Chains Who Have No Choice But To Permanently Close Their Doors
A decrease in popularity, under-performance, and bankruptcy has many once-prominent food chains turning off their burners and closing up shop. So, instead of walking away empty-handed, many owners are selling their companies, hoping to walk away with some money to show for their efforts.
From hundreds of Pizza Huts permanently closing to Buffalo Wild Wings being purchased by Arby's in hopes to stay afloat, 2020 and 2021 are going to see a lot of hometown favorites closing some, if not all of their doors.
2020 Was Not A Good Year For The Cheesecake Factory
The year 2020 wasn't great for a lot of business, including The Cheesecake Factory. In March, the CEO of the restaurant chain, David Overton, wrote a letter to his landlord, explaining that they wouldn't be able to pay rent at any of their 211 locations for the month of April.
That same month, 27 locations closed their doors permanently due to significant financial losses. It seems as though people don't want to pay for overpriced cheesecake anymore.
Chicken Alfredo Couldn't Save Carrabba's Italian Grill
While Carrabba's Italian Grill doesn't have endless breadsticks and salads, it still used to be one of those go-to cheap Italian dinners Americans thrived on during the '90s. But even a nice and creamy chicken alfredo couldn't keep this chain from making strategic closures.
In December of 2020, Carrabba's Italian Grill announced that it would be turning the burners off permanently in 43 locations, hoping to save the company from any more losses at underperforming locations.
Taco Bell's Cravings Value Menu Won't Be Around For Long
Although Taco Bell is a fan favorite for anyone looking for budget-friendly Mexican food rolled up in a Dorito taco shell, that doesn't mean it's impervious to shutting its doors. First opened in 1962, the chain restaurant has expanded throughout the United States and the world.
And while that might sound like a good thing for the chain, the expansion comes at a price. Taco Bell's price resulted in closing down half a dozen locations in 2020.
The World Is No Longer Running On Dunkin'
With around 12,900 locations in 42 countries, it's safe to say the slogan "the world runs on Dunkin" is fairly accurate. Even so, the multinational coffee and donut company have been reassessing their real estate in the past year.
Their goal for 2020 is to discontinue operations in off-strategy and low volume sales locations throughout the world. According to a Dunkin' representative, in 2020, the company plans to close 450 Speedway self-serve kiosks and around 800 low-volume locations.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Dodged A Bullet
Founded in 1977, Potbelly Sandwich Shop has been making submarine sandwiches for the everyday-lunch-goer for over 40 years. Apparently, serving only hot sandwich options isn't as attractive as it used to be, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop has suffered the consequences.
In May of 2020, the company announced that it might need to close up to 100 of their locations. Thankfully, it didn't come to nearly that many. In August, they announced they'd only need to shut the doors on 50 restaurants.
Bravo! Italian Cucina Is Shutting 71 Of 92 Locations
The beloved Italian eatery Bravo! Italian Cucina got hit hard in 2020, having to permanently shut 71 of its 92 restaurants amid the pandemic. According to CEO Steve Layt, the outbreak couldn't have come at a worse time for the chain.
He said, "The COVID-19 outbreak truly could not have come at a worse time for our business. The mandated dining room closure orders wiped out 60% of our restaurants within days and since then we have experienced nothing short of devastating sales declines."
Golden Corral's CEO Made Some Difficult Decisions In 2020
With 42 locations in the United States, the all-you-can-eat buffet and grill of Golden Corral is a lot of people's go-to chain. Unfortunately, for those people, though, the chain ran into some hardships in 2020 and had to shut down more than a few of its locations.
In 2020, 35 locations were closed and 2,290 employees were furloughed. CEO Lance Trenary said, "The realities of the current situation have forced us to make difficult decisions."
Ruby Tuesday Closed 185 Locations
An east coast chain with a few locations on the west coast, Ruby Tuesday is a family favorite. So, it's sad that the chain has seen a massive dip in revenue in the past few years.
Blame it on food quality, popularity, or dietary issues, but people aren't as prone to going to Ruby Tuesday as they were in the '90s. In 2020 alone, Ruby Tuesday shut the doors for good on 185 of their locations. Ouch.
Boston Market Closed 45 Locations In Hopes Of Survival
Known for its chicken and stellar sides of mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, Boston Market has been a family staple since its first restaurant opened in 1984. From there, over 300 locations have opened worldwide.
While that makes it sound as though the chain is doing well, that's not necessarily the case; in 2019, former CEO Frances Allen closed 43 locations, stating it was necessary if the chain were to survive in the long run.
Steak 'N Shake's Hand-Dipped Milkshakes Weren't Enough To Save 51 Locations
The burger chain Steak 'n Shake turned its burners on for the first time in 1934. From there, steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes became a huge craze among young people. The chain became so popular it was able to expand overseas.
Unfortunately, its popularity has dwindled quite a bit in recent years, resulting in multiple closures. In 2020, Steak 'n shake permanently closed 51 of its locations in order to refinance and help pay off a substantial debt.
O'Charley's Is No Longer "My Charley's"
Even with around 200 stores in 17 states throughout America's Midwest and south, O'Charley struggles to remain open. The casual dining chain used to be a popular eatery for families but is now starting to close its doors in some locations.
In 2019, the sole restaurant in Florida was shutdown. Three months later, eight stores throughout Indiana and Georgia were closed. So far in 2020, two Kentucky locations have permanently turned off their burners.
Sbarro, AKA The Place To Get Pizza At The Mall
For anyone who has ventured into a mall in the past 20 or so years, one of the staples is typically Sbarro, the Italian Eatery. There, greasy New York-style pizza is sold by the slice, the perfect companion for window shopping.
Unfortunately, with the popularity of commercial malls decreasing and the diets of American's improving and veering towards greener pastures, the number of Sbarro's has greatly decreased. They closed their historic Time's Square location along with 200 other shops.
Specialty's Café & Bakery Closed Down For Good
The soup, salad, cookie, and sandwich chain Specialty's Café & Bakery once proudly offered 50 establishments. For over 30 years, the chain has been a staple in more than one neighborhood.
Unfortunately, 2020 was horrible to Specialty's Café & Bakery. Due to revenue decline from lack of customers, Specialty's Café & Bakery was forced to permanently close down each of its 50 units, all located in California, Washington, and Illinois.
Olive Garden's Bottomless Breadsticks Wasn't Enough
The food isn't horrible, but, let's be real; people are most likely going to Olive Garden for the experience of bottomless breadsticks and endless salad. Unfortunately, for the chain, it wasn't enough to keep their profits up.
Darden Restaurants announced in March 2020 that Olive Garden's profit was down a solid 60 percent from 2019. It wasn't long after that struggling locations began closing, such as the Springfield, Massachusetts, and Birmingham, Alabama restaurants.
Red Robin Is Trying To Hold On
Opening its doors in 1969, Red Robin became one of the premier casual burger spots for a laid-back dining experience. With 562 locations scattered throughout the U.S. and a few in Canada, it's no wonder their jingle, "Red Robin, YUMMMM," became so well known!
Unfortunately, they're now becoming known for something else altogether. The chain's net income has dropped 90 percent in recent years, causing it to close various locations. Even though investors recommend it, Red Robin has no plans to shut down the chain completely.
Burger King Is No Longer The Top King
Burger King might have been the King of fast food burgers for years since its inception in 1966. However, recent years have been knocking the king down a few pegs. In 2019, close to 250 locations were permanently closed, with plans on continuing shutdowns for the next several years.
According to Restaurant Business, "Burger King executives said the company plans to close 200 to 250 low-volume locations per year over the next couple of years." After 45 years of business, the BK in Springfield, Massachusetts, turned its friers off.
Perkins Is No Longer Perky
The casual dining chain and bakery Perkins first opened its doors in 1958. now owned by the company Marie Callender's, Perkins has locations in four Canadian provinces and 32 states.
And while that might make it sound like the chain is doing alright for itself, the opposite is true. Marie Callender's filed for bankruptcy, leading to abrupt closures of 29 under-performing Perkins locations, including multiple restaurants in California, Kansas, Florida, and Minnesota.
Godiva Is Closing All 128 Stores
Sadly, Godiva announced that it's closing all 128 of its locations in North America. The news came in early 2021 when the retail chain sent out a news release stating that the company intends on focusing on wholesale and digital sales rather than physical locations.
Unfortunately, this means no more Godiva soft-serve cones!
IHOP Is Closing 100 Locations
The International House of Pancakes, better known as IHOP, has been making pancakes since 1958 when Jerry Lapin, Al Lapin Jr., and Albert Kallis opened their first restaurant in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, California.
And while the chain is still popular in a nostalgic sort of way, that's not enough to keep all of its locations open and thriving. It was announced in October of 2020 that IHOP would be closing around 100 of its locations in the next six months.
Marie Callender's Was Sold For $1.75 Million
The homecooked happiness of Marie Callender's can be found in locations throughout the United States. Not to mention all of the frozen food items available at grocery stores! But the once successful company has fallen from grace in recent years.
Starting in 2009, Marie Callender's has filed for bankruptcy multiple times, leading to various restaurant closures. In 2011, 58 locations closed; In 2019, 29 more restaurants were closed. With only 28 locations left, Marie Callender's was sold to Marie Callender's Inc. for $1.75 million.
T.G.I. Friday's Said Goodbye To 386 Locations
The phrase "all good things must come to an end" is especially true for the chain T.G.I. Friday's. Once a prominent casual dining option has since taken a turn for the worst, closing up more than a handful of shops in 2020.
After suffering financial strain and an 80 percent decline in sales, T.G.I. Friday's has said goodbye to 386 of its locations. Here's to hoping the company can one day say "thank goodness it's Friday" with a smile on their faces once again.
Applebee's Is Bee-Lining Its Closures
Applebee's, home of specialty month-long drinks that cost a dollar and appetizers. Do people go here for actual dinner? Anywho, for those who enjoy the casual dining chain, you'll be sad to know that it is shutting the doors of more than a few locations.
After seeing a 30 percent decline in sales, in October of 2020, it was announced that around 15 Applebee's would be permanently closing over the next six months in hopes to bounce back financially.
Friendly's Is Shutting Their Doors In A Not-So-Friendly Manner
Known for its fun ice cream creations, Friendly's tried its best to bounce back from financial struggles in 2019, closing many of its east coast-based establishments. It would have been a good move, but 2020 had other plans.
In 2020, Friendly's had no choice but to file for bankruptcy, selling the company to Amici Partners Group for around two million. Even though they plan on leaving their 130 locations open, there's no telling what's in for the chain in the near future.
Denny's Is In A Holding Pattern
Early morning or late night, Denny's has been there since 1953 to serve breakfast to its customers. Unfortunately, like so many other chains, 2020 hasn't been too kind to Denny's.
In late May of 2020, it was announced that one Denny's franchisee, Feast American Diners, was going to close the doors on 15 of their locations, while at least one corporate-owned location permanently shut down. Now, it's just a waiting game for Denny's, as they can only hope to get their revenue up in the coming months.
Le Pain Quotidien Closed Every U.S. Establishment
Founded in 1990, Le Pain Quotidien is an international chain bakery with over 250 locations around the world, 98 of which are scattered throughout the United States.
Unfortunately, the year 2020 will see customers going elsewhere for their cafe-style foods and pastries, as Le Pain Quotidien isn't doing too well. In May of 2020, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, resulting in the permanent closure of all 98 U.S.-based establishments.
Sweet Tomatoes And Souplantation Are Losing 97 Locations
Buffet-style restaurants Sweet Tomatoes and Souplantation are getting hit a bit hard in 2020. Garden Fresh Restaurants, the company behind both of the once-popular chains, announced in May 2020 that they would have to pack up the buffet lines in 97 of their locations.
Unfortunately, their profits have been steadily decreasing since the start of 2020. According to CEO John Haywood, since the beginning of the year, they've been losing around one million dollars per week.
Popeyes' Revenue Is Down 25%
While Popeyes is doing much better than the other Restaurant Brands International chains, it's not getting off scot-free in 2020. The popular Louisiana chicken restaurant has been struggling since the beginning of the year, and its decreasing profits are there to show for it.
The 25 percent revenue loss was more than enough to warrant a few closures around the country. That new chicken sandwich definitely helped Popeyes stay open!
Get Your Fuddruckers Bruger And Shakes While You Still Can!
First opening its doors in 1980 as Freddie Fuddrucker's, the once-beloved hamburger chain is dwindling out of existence. Apparently, not even the promise of ground meat on-site and freshly made buns was enough to keep this chain open.
At the start of 2019, there were 57 Fuddrucker's chains nationwide. At the end of 2020, the company plans to decrease that number to 31 while looking for a potential buyer for all of the remaining locations.
2020 Was Not The Year For Rubio's Coastal Grill
Since 2017, Rubio's Coastal Grill has seen a steady decline in sales of its fresh-mex fast food. Once a popular chain, Rubio's has since fallen into $82.3 million in outstanding debt, forcing the chain to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October of 2020.
A few months prior to filing, it was announced that Rubio's was going to be permanently closing its doors on 26 locations, including all of the establishments in both Colorado and Florida.
2020 Isn't Looking Good For Luby's
The cafeteria-style chain restaurant Luby's has fallen on hard times in 2020. As a Texas staple for over 65 years, it's hard to imagine this Southern gem going under, but the company might not have a choice but to liquidate all of its assets and sell.
Going into 2020, Luby's was in $35.9 million worth of debt. That's a lot for a tiny cafeteria tray to hold. In order to help pay-off the sum, many locations have been permanently shut.
McDonald's Is Doubling Down On Locations
One of the most popular fast food restaurants in the world is arguably McDonald's. Burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and soda? What's there not to love? Well, considering the amount of closures the company is about to issue, a lot seems unloved at the moment.
In early 2020, the company announced a plan to close over 200 locations, primarily the ones located in Walmart superstores. That being said, while 200 are shutting down, there are plans for 950 new locations!
Buffalo Wild Wings Is Decreasing In Popularity
Once the go-to location for football, drinks, and wings, Buffalo Wild Wings has seen a decrease in popularity in recent years. According to restaurant CEO Sally Smith, B-Dubs steadily decreasing stocks are due to one thing: Millenials.
Smith believes that this particular generation is more prone to cooking than going out to eat, making it difficult to keep business booming. In 2020, Buffalo Wild Wings has had to close 60 of its branches.
Hometown Buffet Isn't That Appealing Anymore
With people leading healthier lifestyles and eating better, the concept of a buffet restaurant is slowly going out of style. They're just not that appealing to a lot of people anymore, which isn't great for a business like Hometown Buffet.
In 2020, more than 200 Hometown Buffet permanently closed its doors, finding that their customer base isn't substantial enough to continue operations. One of the locations that closed includes the Hemet Valley Mall chain in California.
There Were More Pizza Hut Closures Than Expected
Since 1958, Pizza Hut has been serving gooey, greasy, and cheesy pasta and pizza to its loyal customers. But in 2019, the company announced its 24-month plan, including the closures of more than a handful of its locations.
Former president of Yum! Brands, David W. Gibbs, said, "Our US store count could drop to as low as 7,000 locations over the next 24 months primarily driven by closures of underperforming dine-in restaurants..." As of 2020, they've dropped to 6,700 U.S. locations and counting.
Chuck E. Cheese's Closed 30 Of Its 500 Locations
Chuck E. Cheese's is one of those arcade establishments that people tend to forget sells food, namely gooey cheese pizza, wings, and most any soda you can think of. Pretty much, it's a little kid's vision of perfection. But that didn't keep revenue afloat.
In 2020, Chuck E. Cheese's was forced to close 30 of its 500 locations due to its increasing debt. It didn't help, and the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June.
Some Starbucks Chains Are Underperforming
The biggest coffee chain in the world, it's hard to imagine Starbucks closing down any of its locations. But 2020 brought something the company couldn't foresee: people grabbing their coffee to go and not bothering to sit around with friends to chit-chat and order more drinks and a bite to eat.
Because of this, the next 18 months will see the popular chain closing 500 under-performing stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. But they're planning on making up for the closures with 300 pick-up and carryout locations.
Carl's Jr. Might Have A Chance Of Bouncing Back
Beginning as nothing more than a hotdog stand in 1941, Carl's Jr. swiftly became a dominant chain in the fast food restaurant game. With a dedicated fanbase, over time, the chain grew to almost 1,500 locations worldwide.
Regardless, that fanbase hasn't been able to save the chain from under-performing at various locations. In 2020 alone, Carl's Jr. has had to close down 150 of its branches. Thankfully, its brand has been strong for years, so they have a good chance of bouncing back.
Subway Is Looking To Shut Down 900 Locations
Starting as a sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965, Subway has expanded into a global fast food franchise. Catering to people looking for a quick sub and salad, you'd think it'd be able to stay on top of the market.
Well, that wasn't the case in 2020. Going back to 2016, Subway closed more stores than it opened. Then, in 2019, the chain shut down 900 more locations. It's been estimated that 2020 will bring about a similar number of permanent closures.
Taco Cabana Has $4.2 Million In Pre-Tax Operating Losses
Founded in 1978 in San Antonio, Texas, Taco Cabana is a fast food chain specializing in Mexican cuisine. From breakfast burritos to gooey quesadillas, Taco Cabana has it all. Unfortunately, having yummy food isn't enough to keep all of its locations running.
According to NBC, In 2020, Taco Cabana has $4.2 million in pre-tax operating losses, with 19 of its locations drastically underperforming. Needless to say, those 19 locations have been permanently shut down.
Tim Hortons Just Isn't That Popular
Tim Hortons might be doing well in Canada, but the franchise sees a steady decrease in sales south of the border. Tim Hortons isn't really a go-to place for coffee in the United States, with people favoring local mom and pop cafes, Starbucks, and even Dunkin' Donuts instead.
With that in mind, it's not surprising that Tim Hortons has had to close some of its locations due to underperformance, including half of the Minnesota stores.
McCormick & Schmick's Dropped From 85 To 32 Locations
The upscale seafood chain McCormick & Schmick's has been in a steady decline since it was purchased by Landry's in 2012. Since then, the chain went from 85 locations to a staggering 32. And 2020 isn't doing the chain any favors.
This year, the chain is expected to close another seven of its branches. With these closures going as they are, it wouldn't be surprising to see the seafood chain go completely out of business in the coming years.
Roy Rogers Isn't Popular with The Younger Generations
Roy Rogers was a trendy fast food chain in the 1960s and '70s when cowboys were still all the rage. And the King of the Cowboys, Roy Rogers, with his horse Trigger and his wife Dale Evans, appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout the '40s and '50s.
The issue is, cowboys aren't that popular with the younger generations, and the franchise has been taking a major hit because of it. Once there were over 600 locations. Now, fewer than 50 remains. In 2020, seven locations were closed.
P.F. Chang's Lost Its Only Montgomery County Branch
The family-friendly Chinese fare restaurant P.F. Chang's isn't having the best year. Known for its Asian-fusion food and striking space, this particular chain has recently come into some tough times.
In 2020, P.F. Chang's has said a permanent goodbye to a few of its locations. Some of the branches that closed their doors were in Westbury, New York, and Friendship Heights, Maryland. The former laid off 118 employees while the latter was the last P.F. Chang's in Montgomery County.
BJ's Lost 30% Of Its Locations
For those who love large cookies with gooey chocolate and ice cream, get your Pazookie while you still can because BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse is saying goodbye to a solid handful of its locations.
In 2020, BJ's announced the closure of 30 percent of its California establishments. While there are still some restaurants open, it's going to take a solid amount of revenue to keep the company profitable and the remaining locations open.
Kona Grill's 40 Sauces Isn't Saving It From Closures
When Kona Grill first opened its doors in 1998, customers were intrigued with its unique style of food and 40 homemade specialty sauces. Unfortunately, for the sushi and stir-fry chain, the intrigued has been wearing thin.
In 2019, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Since then, Kona Grill has slowly but surely been turning their burners off and locking the doors on some of its locations, 19, to be exact.
Hooters Is Slowly But Surely Closing Its Doors
Hooters might have been a popular chain once upon a time. But like so many other casual dine-in restaurants, this particular chain is falling out of favor. Recent years have shown steady closures throughout the United States, and 2020 hasn't been any different.
Between 2012 and 2016, Hooters closed seven of their establishments. Now, in 2020, more locations are closing their doors, and the waitresses are hanging up their orange and white uniforms. Some of the permanently closed locations are located in the Bay Area of Northern California.
Outback Steakhouse Is Down 43 Locations
Home of the infamous Bloomin' Onion, Outback Steakhouse has been a popular casual dining option since it first opened its doors back in 1988. Unfortunately, Outback is joining a list of restaurant chains under the parent company Bloomin' Brands that haven't been performing recently.
While it's still a popular establishment in its founding state of Florida, other locations across the United States have closed their doors permanently on the Australian-inspired establishment. In 2020, 43 locations have closed.
Krystal Filed For Bankruptcy In 2020
Established in 1932, Krystal prides itself on sticking to the basics and classics, burgers, fries, hotdogs, and shakes. And while it's a quirky little fast food chain with a big personality, it's popularity has since decreased in recent years.
After selling 100 company-owned locations, Krystal was forced to file for bankruptcy in early 2020. With 300 establishments left in the United States, the chain can expect to see more closures in the near future.
Papa Murphy's Pizza Said Goodbye To 97 Locations
Opened in 1995, Papa Muphy's Pizza is unlike any other pizza chain out there, with its signature "take and bake" model. And while choosing toppings to put on a frozen pizza that you'll cook at home sounds fun and all, it wasn't enough to keep the chain popular and thriving.
In hopes of increasing revenue, Papa Murphy's Pizza saw to the permanent closure of 97 under-performing branches in 2020. Hopefully, they're able to turn things around!
Joe's Crab Shack Has Had A Rough Few Years
Popular in the southern part of the United States, Joe's Crab Shack is a beach-themed seafood-centric chain that has a lot of character. However, that character isn't helping the chain from swiftly disappearing.
After filing for bankruptcy and being sold to Landry's in 2017, Joe's Crab Shack saw dozens of its locations close. And 2020 was no different, with 41 of Joe's Crab Shack establishments locking its doors and letting its employees go.
Long John Silver's
While fast food seafood sounds questionable, Long John Silver's has been able to make it work since 1969. Even though they've filed for bankruptcy more than once since its opening, the seafood joint has prevailed somehow.
Now, in 2020, Long John Silver's new CEO has made the decision to look into under-performing locations and close them down. So far, 20 branches have been shut. The hope is that closing these branches will help revenue and keep the existing locations open for a few more years.
Bonefish Grill Lost 14 Of Its 215 Locations
Founded in 2000, the chain seafood restaurant Bonefish Grill might be the youngest establishment on this list. Unfortunately, the casual yet upper-scale dining experience is under the parent company of Bloomin' Brands, a company that hasn't been doing too well in recent years.
Like a few chains under this particular parent company, Bonefish has been having under-performance issues, resulting in multiple locations' closure. In 2020, Bonefish saw 14 of its 215 locations shut down, a devastating loss.
51 Papa John's Branches Closed
Papa John's has raked in billions of dollars annually for the past three decades. With that kind of revenue, it might be hard to imagine the company having to close down any of its locations around the nation.
But ever since 2017 and the former CEO's controversial remarks, the once-popular delivery pizza chain has been on a steady decline. In 2020, the chain saw 51 of its branches permanently shut their doors.
Noodle's & Company's Stocks And Revenue Plumeted
Founded in 1995 as an American and International noodle and pasta fast food chain, Noodle's & Company has been on a slow and steady decline. In 2018, MoneyWise placed the chain as one of the top 17 restaurants disappearing the fastest.
Unfortunately for the company, they weren't able to turn that standing around. Not only did Noodle's & Company's stocks take a huge hit, but they were forced to close down multiple locations due to the revenue decrease.
Pollo Tropical
The Caribbean fast food chain Pollo Tropical has had a tough time bringing people to join their ongoing fiesta. The Miami-based chain has been around since 1988, but recent years have shown a dwindling interest in the restaurant's fried plantains and mojo pork.
As a result of decreased popularity, Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc. made the decision to shut down all of its Texas-based locations. Even Tennessee saw a sudden sweep of all of its Pollo Tropical establishments.
Qdoba Couldn't Keep Up With The Competition
In the early 2000s, Qdoba was a very popular Mexican restaurant for people in the market for a quick burrito or very large quesadilla. Unfortunately, for the chain, the competition for Mexican fast food is fierce, and they've been feeling the heat for a few years.
As of 2017, Qdoba had 729 restaurants open and operational across the country. Now, in 2020, that number is dwindling fast. States such as Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have seen their Qdoba establishments vanishing.
PizzaRev Only Has 13 Shops Left
Take the idea of Subway and then make it pizza. That is pretty much the business idea behind the once-rising pizza chain PizzaRev. Unfortunately, 2020 didn't do the chain any favor.
This year, more than half of the PizzaRev establishments throughout the country have closed their doors, leaving a total of 13 units left. Some of the locations that turned their burners off include eight establishments in Los Angeles and all three of the shops in Las Vegas.
California Pizza Kitchen Closed 46 Of Its 200 Locations
Founded in 1985, California Pizza Kitchen has since become an international chain restaurant catering to people looking for a casual American dinner, namely California-style pizza. That was probably their first mistake, as sales have been going down in recent years.
In April of 2020, the restaurant chain was forced to close down 46 of its 200 establishments, hoping to bring revenue back up. It didn't work. And in October, they were forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Logan's Roadhouse Closed Everything
Founded in 1991, Logan's Roadhouse was a Nashville, Tennessee-chain serving up some of the best American fare money can buy. With 230 locations during its peak popularity, it's hard to imagine the chain closing up shop permanently.
But 2020 was tough on the restaurant business, and Logan's Roadhouse was a less fortunate chain. The company was forced to close down each one of its establishments, laying off a total of 18,000 employees in the process.
Pie Five's Maryland Location Is No More
Pie Five is a fairly new restaurant chain, founded in 2011. Specializing in personal pizzas, Pie Five had over 56 establishments at the end of 2019. That number, however, did not last, and the company has been struggling to stay afloat.
In 2020, Pie Five had to say goodbye to 10 of its locations as sales steadily declined. One of the company's big losses was the closing of its last remaining Maryland location.
Sizzler Is No Longer In Australia
Known for its seafood, steak, and salad bar options, Sizzler's been a staple for many families since its founding in 1958. Servicing both the United States and international locations couldn't help this chain from losing some of its locations, though.
In 2020, Sizzler USA declared bankruptcy, an announcement that resulted in the company-owned restaurants shutting down but not the franchises. Some of the closures happened overseas, including each establishment in Australia.
