In a world where everything is becoming more expensive, average Joes like us are having to sacrifice little luxuries, and as a consequence, companies are having to reevaluate their business models. This has hit the restaurant world the hardest, with many big-name eateries and fast food chains across the U.S. struggling to profit thanks to rising food prices and lower foot traffic. And while some have managed to hang on by the skin of their teeth, others have cut their losses and decided to part ways with certain locations. In fact, some of America's most famous food franchises are having to downsize. Keep scrolling to see which ones.
KFC
No matter whether you prefer the wings or the legs, there's no denying that KFC is a big player in the fast food industry. These restaurants go through buckets and buckets of fried chicken every single day, and you don't have to search too far to find your nearest location. However, we have sad news for those living near The Avenue Retail Park in Bradford, UK - as that location has now closed down and won't be opening its doors again.
Although it's not known why exactly they chose to close down this particular restaurant, it's not all bad news for Bradford locals as there are six other KFC locations in the area.
Pizza Hut
The pizza business is a tough game. It's crowded with the likes of Domino's and Papa John's, and it seems as though Pizza Hut is also feeling the pinch of modern life. In 2024, Pizza Hut will be laying off over 1,200 delivery drivers across the West Coast, drastically decreasing its presence in the likes of Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange County. And that's all thanks to a new law in California, which has changed the minimum wage.
Not only that, but restaurants in Southern Oregon, Reno-Tahoe, and Sacramento will also be affected by this change. Because of this, you might want to book your reservation as soon as you can.
Wahlburgers
It's not every day you come across a restaurant chain founded by Marky Mark (just without the Funky Bunch) and his brothers. And while some thought Wahlburgers would be somewhat of a gimmick, there's no doubt that this burger chain has claimed its legitimate spot in the fast food world. In fact, more and more Wahlburgers are popping up every year and wowing customers with its simple but delicious menu. In 2024, however, it lost one of its locations.
In January, the chain's Ross Township, Pennsylvania location was closed down, but the company didn't indicate why it had closed its doors. The chain doesn't seem to be in financial trouble, however.
Burger King
You probably don't need us to tell you that Burger King is one of the most famous burger joints in the world. But while its annual revenue keeps growing (a bit like its menu), it seems as though this company is going for a different strategy to keep business booming. Their plan between 2023 and 2024 is to close up a whopping 300 locations across the country - with many locations already closed.
The closed/closing restaurants are the older locations in the brand's portfolio, and it's believed that Burger King will be focusing more of its attention on high-performing restaurants in prime locations for peak traffic.
Noodles & Company
Anyone who has ever visited the Vienna Marketplace in D.C. will know that there are so many restaurant options on offer. While this is great for the hungry shopper, it's not so great for the restaurant trying to deal with increased rent and food prices. That's exactly why Noodles & Company announced it was closing in January 2024. In the changing landscape, it just can't afford to stay open.
In fact, just a few short weeks after the Noodles & Company closure was announced, it shut up shop completely. There's still another location not too far away in Idylwood Plaza, though.
TGI Fridays
While TGI Fridays used to be a popular spot for birthday parties and Friday night family dinners, there's no doubt about the fact that this restaurant chain deals with a lot of competition on a daily basis. And while you might love their menu, we're sad to tell you that TGI Fridays will be closing 36 of its locations in 2024 alone - and they'll be closed on both the East and the West coasts.
According to the company, these closures will help them in their efforts to continue an "ongoing growth strategy" and will allow them to focus on their remaining restaurants. Thankfully, 80% of the workforce from these closing restaurants will be transferred to neighboring locations.
Starbucks
There's a high chance that you're already familiar with Starbucks and the news of its closing stores. The giant coffee chain hit the headlines last year when it came under fire for unlawfully shutting down 23 locations in the U.S., and it's fair to say that it didn't go down well. The National Labor Relations Board took the coffee chain to court and demanded they open all of the closed locations for the sake of the workers who had lost their income.
So far, the locations have yet to reopen, and experts aren't sure what this means for the Seattle-based coffee chain. Will they continue to close more stores? Or will they stop there?
Papa John's
Even if you don't quite understand the plastic triangle they put in the middle of their pizzas, there's no denying that Papa John's has dominated the food delivery world. But while most of their locations are delivery-only, it seems as though the company is still struggling to navigate the changing landscape of the restaurant world. Because of this, they may be closing up to 100 stores across the pond in the UK.
This isn't just a financial choice, though. It's been noted that Papa John's wants to reevaluate where it stands within the fast food world, and this involves putting more time and effort into select locations.
Joe's Crab Shack
Joe's Crab Shack has always been a popular restaurant for New Jersey locals and tourists thanks to its delicious menu and home-style cooking. But those looking to fill their stomachs with crab will have to look elsewhere now, as Joe's Crab Shack in The Promenade Shops at Clifton was closed down on New Year's Eve in 2023. At the time, the COO confirmed that this was due to an expired lease.
While this came as a shock to many, it's not the end of the world, as there's still another Joe's Crab Shack in New Jersey. You just might need to fight a bit harder to make a reservation.
Dairy Queen
Before you get too upset, we should probably clarify that this isn't the Dairy Queen you go to to grab your post-work ice cream. This is the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill - which just so happened to be based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Located at 230 Steinwehr Avenue, this old-school Dairy Queen has been in business for over 60 years and has been a staple in the community. But in 2023, it closed its doors for the last time.
You won't be able to make a reservation here anymore, as it seems as though there are no plans to open a more modern Dairy Queen in its place. Instead, it's gone for good.
Chili's
There's a reason why even the richest celebrities head to Chili's for their fast food. The impressive menu and the delicious food have made it one of the best fast food chains in the U.S., and it's been noted that there are over 1,500 locations across the country. However, there was one less as of January 9, 2024, when the Chili's at 8136 Providence Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, was closed down.
It was confirmed that their lease at the Arboretum Shopping Center had expired, and they just didn't want to fit the bill for the increased rent. So, they decided to abandon ship instead.
Denny's
With thousands of locations around the country, Denny's is an American institution. And as you can't make a reservation at this fast food chain, it's not uncommon to see people waiting in line to pick up their favorites from the menu. But did you know that Denny's is closing? Well, it's closing one location in Oakland, California, to be more exact, and that's all down to safety concerns in the area.
From a business standpoint, Denny's didn't want to close this location down. But they chose to think about the safety of their employees first, and couldn't ignore the rising crime rates in the area.
California Pizza Kitchen
If you haven't heard of California Pizza Kitchen, we're going to assume that you don't live in California. But those who do will know that this restaurant chain offers an impressive menu at very competitive prices—and some people just can't get enough. Which is why many will be sad to hear of its closing. While this chain isn't closing down a large number of its restaurants, it is closing one popular location in the Fountains at Roseville.
This business decision was reportedly influenced by strategy rather than money concerns, as it's believed that all of the restaurants in this specific location are changing and being switched up.
Subway
If you're worried that you won't be able to get your footlong anytime soon, you don't have to worry too much. Although Subway has indeed closed the doors to a restaurant, it's only closed its doors to one particular location - and that was the Subway at 4206 Route 31 in Clay, Syracuse. It's believed that their hands were forced when the nearby Great Northern Mall was closed down, too.
With fewer customers and reduced foot traffic, it just didn't make sense for the chain to keep this particular location open. Thankfully, they don't plan on closing down any more locations.
McDonald's
Although McDonald's is arguably the biggest player on this list, even a huge corporation like this one is still struggling with the after-effects of the pandemic. In fact, McDonald's was hit hard by COVID regulations and lower footfall traffic, and that was seen in the numbers. In 2021 alone, McDonald's had to permanently close a whopping 239 locations, and this continued into 2022 and 2023. It's even still happening in 2024.
All in all, McDonald's has closed around 5% of its locations since the pandemic, but this has actually worked in its favor as sales have also gone up an incredible 32% in the process.
Cracker Barrel
The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the hospitality industry, and even some of the bigger players are still suffering the after-effects of this troubling time. This is even the case for Cracker Barrel, who had to make some tough decisions in 2023. In fact, they closed down three of their locations extremely suddenly due to rising costs, increased rent, and fewer customers. They did open a few more locations, too, though.
Because of this, 2024 is very uncertain for Cracker Barrel. Although no immediate closure plans have been announced, that's not to say that some closures might be on the horizon.
McCormick & Schmick's
McCormick & Schmick's might not be the biggest restaurant on this list, but it's fair to say that it has a dedicated customer base who all love this seafood and steakhouse. But if you're in Illinois and looking for some surf and turf, you might be sad to learn that the Oak Brook location closed down on January 1, 2024. This means that you'll have to travel to either Chicago or Rosemont to eat this delicious menu.
Alternatively, you could head to one of the other 18 locations across the country. And let's just hope that the chain doesn't choose to lose any more restaurants for the rest of the year.
Five Guys
Everyone loves Five Guys, right? When so many fast food chains are switching up their menus and making their portions smaller, you can count on Five Guys to consistently serve good food and generous portions at an affordable price. But while the company is reportedly making profits year on year, that hasn't stopped them from closing Five Guys locations across the U.S. and the rest of the world. For them, however, it's all about performance.
If a restaurant isn't performing in the way that they hope - either in terms of foot traffic or general sales - then they decide to close up shop and try out a new location instead. And that's what they're doing in 2024.
IHOP
Despite claiming itself to be the International House of Pancakes, the IHOP menu offers so much more than that fluffy goodness. For many, it's their go-to breakfast place and is a family favorite among kids and adults alike. But if you were looking to check out the menu of the IHOP in West Hollywood, you might want to rethink your plans, as this location was closed down indefinitely in January 2024.
8461 Santa Monica Blvd was once a 24-hour restaurant, but is now an empty shell on the street. You don't have to travel too far for the nearest location, though, as there's another nearby on Sunset Blvd.
Le Pain Quotidien
Although it's not a huge chain, Le Pain Quotidien is still a household name. There were once over 50 locations around the country, allowing customers to pick up beautiful French pastries and baked goods. And while its location in Arlington, Virginia, has always been fairly popular with the locals, that didn't stop it from being closed down in January 2024. In fact, rumors are swirling that it's not the last location to be closed down this year, either.
It's believed that rising rent prices and the high cost of produce were just too much for this particular location to handle, and it seemed to work in the chain's financial interest to cut their losses before it got even worse.
Quizno's
There was once a time when Quizno's was one of the most popular restaurant chains in the U.S. At one point, there were over 5,000 Quizno's across the country, and most people didn't have to travel too far to find their nearest one. But today, that number is very different. By the end of 2023, there were just 145 locations left in the country - and that number is dwindling even more in 2024.
Quizno's closing has been a shock to many, but the fact that over 90% of its locations has closed is unheard of for what was once a very large chain. Unfortunately, they keep battling against bankruptcy.
Long John Silver's
If you're familiar with Long John Silver's, you'll know that this place is famous for its seafood menu. However, it's also infamous for having serious financial struggles. The restaurant chain has been through the process of bankruptcy on numerous occasions, and there's no doubt about the fact that this has had an impact on the number of locations there are around the country. And while it plans to lose more stores in 2024, it's also going to add some, too!
In fact, this company has just gone through a major restructuring process after being a franchise for so long. And in a crazy turn of events, the company will be buying back some of its franchised locations.
Bonefish Grill
While some restaurants on this list gave their customers notice of their closure, the same can't be said for the Bonefish Grill in Boise, Idaho. The closure of this restaurant in January 2024 came as a huge shock to customers and staff members alike, as nobody knew it was coming. What's more, this restaurant had been there for customers for 15 years and become a huge part of the local community.
The news that the restaurant had shut its doors upset a lot of people, but rumors of a changing restaurant landscape in Boise is suggested to be the reason behind the closure.
Church's Chicken
Trying to make a fast-food chicken business a success in the modern world must be tough. After all, how can you compete with the likes of KFC? But what we love about Church's Chicken is that they have definitely tried to stand their ground and compete with these big dogs. In fact, they've been going since 1952 and still seem to be going strong - apart from its location in Whitehall, Ohio.
When Church's Chicken closed up shop in January, nobody had any idea why, but they were told that it would be temporary and only last three months. However, three months has passed and it's still not open again.
Panera
Although Panera Bread has won over its loyal customers with its delicious menu and beautiful restaurants, it's fair to say that the company has struggled over the years. With fierce competition from so many other restaurants out there, it seems as though Panera just can't quite compete with the big dogs. It's also been pretty unlucky - especially when a car crash in 2023 shut down its National Avenue, Springfield location.
A few other locations have been closed down so far in 2024, which has led many to believe there will be more closures to come. So, if you want to make a reservation, you should make one now.
Pollo Tropical
Pollo Tropical tends to fly under the radar compared to some of the big names on this list. While some people are absolutely obsessed with this chain, there are others who have never heard of it before. But this restaurant offers an impressive menu, and many customers make reservations whenever they can. That's why locals in the Regency area of Arlington were so upset when their Pollo Tropical location closed down.
Unfortunately, it definitely won't be opening its doors again as Panda Express bought the lease. So, the Pollo has been taken over by the Panda - and it's a done deal.
Hardee's
If you live in Illinois and love Hardee's, there's a high chance that you've already heard the news of numerous locations closing down in the central region. In fact, five Illinois locations have already been closed in 2024 alone, and it all happened very quickly. Staff were reportedly told of the news on a Monday, and by the time Wednesday came around the locations had already been picked up by new owners.
It's been noted that Hardee's chose to leave the locations as a result of expired leases, but some workers questioned why they weren't given more notice if this had always been on the cards.
JR's Hometown Grill and Pub
JR's Hometown Grill and Pub has long held a presence in Michigan, with locals booking regular reservations and buying gift cards for their food-loving friends and family. But the restaurant chain took locals by surprise in January 2024 when it was announced that it would be closing four of its Michigan restaurants. Not only that, but they gave customers very little notice, which didn't go down well with those with gift cards.
It's not known what prompted this decision, which has made many other JR's Hometown Grill & Pub fans sceptical of its future. Will more locations be closed down in the coming months?
PDQ
We love chicken restaurants with just three letters in their names, and PDQ definitely fits that bill. And while you can still find many PDQ locations across the country, those in New Jersey only have a single PDQ left in their state. That's because the restaurant chain unexpectedly closed down the Cherry Hill and Sicklerville locations in 2024 - and many are wondering whether the last one will be following suit later in the year.
What's even more bizarre is the fact that PDQ gave absolutely no reason behind its decision. Instead, they just thanked their loyal customers for their support over their years of service.
Jason's Deli
We don't know who Jason is, but we'd like to find him and shake his hand because we absolutely love the food on his menu. And while those living in Athens, Ohio have loved this restaurant for decades, it seems as though the era of eating at Jason's has come to an end. This location was closed down earlier in 2024, and it didn't take long for it to be replaced.
In fact, the restaurant taking its place will be a First Watch, which is famous for its breakfast and lunch offerings. So, while Athens restaurants will still have somewhere to eat, it definitely won't be the same.
The Black Lab Coffee Co.
Home-brewed coffee just doesn't compare to coffee from a proper coffee shop, and the menu at The Black Lab Coffee Co. is definitely worth a try if you need a caffeine fix. But if you're located near downtown Springfield, Missouri, you're going to have to travel a little further if you want your Black Lab fix from now on. That's because the coffee chain shut down its downtown store in late 2023 and doesn't plan on reopening it.
So, next time you're craving a caffeine fix, you'll have to head on over to the chain's locations in Republic or Galloway Village. The Black Lab Coffee Co. still operates there and will be happy to whip you up a cup of Joe.
Sugarfire Smokehouse
Most Americans can't get enough of smokehouse food, and the menu at Sugarfire Smokehouse is top-notch. And while you can still find this establishment around the country, you won't be able to make a reservation at the Cedar Rapids restaurant anytime soon. In fact, this location was closed down in late 2023 after three years in business. During that time, it served a huge portion of the local community and built up an impressive fan base.
However, it's believed that the escalating rent and operational costs in the area were just too much for the chain to endure. In the end, they decided to quite literally cut their losses and close the restaurant down.
Pieology Pizzeria
Every pizza restaurant has pizza on the menu. But Pieology Pizzeria's USP is the fact that it allows customers to build their own pizzas - and this has led to constant reservations for years on end. And while many Pieology Pizzerias around the country are thriving, a decision was made to close its location at the UV Business Center in Sacramento, California, in 2024. Why? Well, it's believed that competition is too fierce.
In a world dominated by Papa John's and Domino's, choosing the right location is key to a successful Pieology Pizzeria. And we guess Sacramento just wasn't the right location for them.
McAlister’s Deli
Sometimes, the closure of restaurants doesn't have anything to do with the restaurant's performance at all. Sometimes, it's all about the location. And that certainly seems to be the case for the closure of the McAlister’s Deli location in Arboretum Shopping Center in Charlotte. Although customers loved the food on the menu at this place, it ultimately shut up shop in 2024 - alongside many other restaurants in the shopping center.
The fact that McAlister's wasn't alone just goes to show that shopping centers can have a huge impact on the future of restaurants. In this case, it just wasn't meant to be.
Eat'n Park
Everyone knows the smiley cookie of the Eat'n Park, right? Especially those who live in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia - as Eat'n Park has been an institution in this area since 1949. And while there are still many restaurants serving up this family-friendly menu and taking reservations for hungry stomachs, the chain decided to close the Highlands Eat'n Park restaurant at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, no reason was given as to why.
One thing we do know for sure is that employees from that location were given the opportunity to transfer to nearby locations, so at least they weren't tossed to the side.
Johnny's Pizza
Pizzerias are a dime a dozen in New York, but there's no doubt about the fact that every New Yorker has their favorite. This is the place they go for lunch, for dinner, or just a mid-afternoon snack when they're feeling peckish. And for many people, that place was Johnny's Pizza in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. This legendary establishment had been making pizzas in the same place for over 56 years before it closed its doors for good in January 2024.
While this was a sad turn of events for customers, the story is actually a very happy one. After decades of working in the business, owners John and Lilia Miniaci decided to shut up shop and enjoy their retirement instead.
Fuddruckers
If you've ever been to a Fuddruckers location, you'll know that it's not like any other restaurant out there. The menu is incredibly varied, and it offers everything from made-to-order burgers to specialized condiment carts where you can customize your burger even more. And that's before we mention the on-site bakery for you to pick up some baked goods on the way out! But while customers love it, Fuddruckers in Waco, Texas, was closed forever in late 2023.
What's so outstanding about this location is that it stood tall for four decades, battling bankruptcy and changes in ownership. But in the end, it just couldn't keep up with the changing restaurant landscape and rising prices.
Bagger Dave's
Hands up if you're from Michigan? If you are, we're going to assume that you're familiar with Bagger Dave's. This Michigan-based restaurant chain has previously taken over the state, with locals falling in love with the homestyle menu that offered something for everyone - no matter whether they wanted a fancy pizza or a sloppy burger. But Bagger Dave's has been struggling financially for many years now, and this has led to them closing many of their locations.
Head office's choice to do this rather than file for bankruptcy took some by surprise, but it's believed that they hope to keep at least some of their locations by restructuring in this way.
Momofuku Ko
This next restaurant is a little different to some of the others on this list. That's because Momofuku Ko isn't just any restaurant - it's a two-Michelin-star restaurant. However, we should probably say that it was a two-Michelin-star restaurant, as it was closed in November 2023. While you'd think that the famous chef would be sad about this fact, it seems as though David Chang has bigger fish to fry.
Since going through a restructuring process, David Chang and CEO Marguerite Zabar Mariscal have been on a mission to change things up. And they still own the space, so it might be turned into something else.
Milu
Anyone who knows anything about restaurants in New York City will know that they'll either make it or break it. And keeping on track of sales and rising rent prices in the Big Apple can easily break you. This has happened to Chinese restaurant Milu in 2024. Although it was once a thriving restaurant with an impressive menu in Williamsburg, it shocked locals when it shut unexpectedly earlier in the year.
Although it was only open for six months, it still made an impression. But ultimately the rent price was just too expensive for the owners to realistically keep the place open.