Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Smokey Bones, this month said it planned to rebrand 19 locations as Twin Peaks restaurants while closing 15 underperforming sites.
The company also announced the appointment of Ken Brendemihl as president of Smokey Bones.
In the release, Twin Hospitality said it had identified 15 underperforming Smokey Bones locations, 10 of which have been closed and five that will close before the end of the fiscal third quarter.
"The closure of the locations, coupled with the removal of approximately $1.5 million in associated corporate overhead, is projected to materially enhance EBITDA performance," the company said.
The remaining 26 Smokey Bones locations were generating positive cash flow, the company said.
Smokey Bones had listed three restaurants in Michigan, including in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Utica — but only the Lansing restaurant remains listed on its website.
WOOD TV in Grand Rapids said the Grand Rapids location had closed.
There are three Twin Peaks branded restaurants in Michigan, including in Livonia, Auburn Hills and Madison Heights.
Ansara Restaurant Group operates the three Michigan Twin Peaks restaurants and one in Toledo, Ohio, as well and 22 Red Robins in Michigan and Ohio, and Burgerz, 2Booli and Daily Jam restaurants.
Here's what you need to know.
What will the rebranding be?
Twin Hospitality has prioritized optimizing Smokey Bones’ footprint, identifying 19 restaurants for conversion into Twin Peaks sites. Two of the conversions have already been completed. A third, being completed by a franchisee, is currently under construction and is expected to open later this year, the company said.
When did FAT Brands buy Smokey Bones?
Smokey Bones was acquired as a 60-unit group by FAT Brands Inc. in 2023 and was spun off into Twin Hospitality in January 2025, the company said.
FAT Brands purchased the barbecue bar and grill for $30 million from Sun Capital Partners private equity in 2023.
Filling a void left by Hooters
Twin Peaks is a growing brand in the United States, filling a niche left by Hooters, which filed for bankruptcy, the company said. There is just one Hooters left in Michigan.
According to statistics from a 2024 earnings call, Twin Peak’s profits were four times higher in margins compared to the barbecue restaurant.
Two of the Twin Peaks conversions already completed generate higher average unit volumes of approximately $7.8 million, compared to approximately $3.5 million as Smokey Bones, the company said.
How many Smokey Bones locations will close?
The company announced in September that 15 underperforming locations would close. The company did not say which locations would close.
Twin Hospitality previously announced in March that nine underperforming Smokey Bones locations would close.
How many Smokey Bones locations will be left?
Twenty-six Smokey Bones restaurants will remain, the company said, after closures and rebranding. The release said the company hopes to franchise a portion of the remaining sites.
What is Twin Peaks?
Twin Peaks is similar to Hooters restaurants offering drinks, American meals and large portions.
According to the Twin Peaks location tracker, there are 109 locations across the United States. The company plans, in the short term, to open at least 11 new locations by the end of 2025, and cap at 650 locations across the U.S. in the distant future.
Are Michigan locations impacted?
The company lists 44 restaurants on its website. There were three Smokey Bones in Michigan: Utica, Lansing and Grand Rapids. Only the Lansing site, 2401 Lake Lansing Road, remains listed on the company website.
What does FAT Brands own?
The company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Smokey Bones, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses and franchises and owns approximately 2,300 units worldwide.