Let’s be real: the American dining scene is going through some big changes. 2025 is indeed bringing the heat to struggling food chains. Many iconic restaurants are shutting down locations, while some are disappearing completely. Here’s a surprising look at 19 American restaurants that might say goodbye this year:
1. Chili’s
Last May 19, 2025, Chili’s announced that its Florida location had marked the end of an era for its fans. For 40 years, the Sarasota Chili’s has served over a million regulars, making memories with their loved ones over baby back ribs, fajitas, and razor-thin tortilla chips doused in salt.
2. Applebee’s
Another Sarasota-based location had been closed back-to-back with Chili’s. Applebee’s is at risk, facing different challenges; fewer customers are showing up, and sales are slipping. Even with new stores opening, we can’t turn a blind eye to the number of stores closing their doors. From the looks of it, these closures aren’t random. They might be cutting back to save some bucks.
3. Hooter’s
This iconic “owl” brand can no longer keep up, as tough times clip their wings. Hooters has filed their Chapter 11 bankruptcy for restructuring due to low sales and foot traffic. While they’re not giving up and not shutting down completely, they’ve already sold off around 100 locations to keep afloat.
4. Noodles & Company
Sometimes you have to trim the fat to get truly lean and mean. In May 2025, Noodles & Company pulled the plug on about 20 stores that didn’t reach their quotas. The decision was a no-brainer in the business world. Less is definitely more in serving up success.
5. Hardee’s
An overflowing burger market makes these old-timers struggle to keep up with modern-day fast-food cravings. Hardee’s, with its West Coast twin, Carl’s Jr., is slowly tiptoeing at the back door, as their major franchisee went bankrupt last 2023. It’s a clear sign of the times, the end of an era.
6. Jack in The Box
It looks like Jack in the Box is now thinking outside the box! In April 2025, they announced the closure of over 150 of their weaker spots. This helps the chain supercharge profits and double down on its most successful ones. Basically, going for the quality over quantity approach.
7. Denny’s
Brace yourselves, night owls: your go-to breakfast joint, Denny’s, is about to say goodnight. They’ve decided to close over 70 of their quieter locations in 2025. Denny’s is throwing everything it’s got to keep up with customers’ eating habits and the rising costs of running a restaurant.
8. Red Lobster
Seems like a painful and drowning struggle to face, but in 2024, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, followed by 129 location closures. They are truly sinking into a great wave of debt.
9. TGI Fridays
It seems like Fridays are anything but a party. Since its November 2024 bankruptcy, the fun is now winding down for TGI Friday as mass store closures keep happening in this beloved chain. Just goes to show that even iconic brands face tough battles as trends and tastes keep changing.
10. Subway
Don’t worry about Subway’s mass store closure; it’s not a definite decline but a calculated move. They’re just putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to efficiency. With the thousands of store closures last year, this sandwich giant has trimmed down their number to boost profits and efficiency.
11. Outback Steakhouse
They just know that sometimes, you need to shrink to grow. With their 2024 closure, Outback Steakhouse is just taking a deliberate step back. The goal? To remain adept, improve their menu and grow the remaining stores, keeping up with the food scene and ensuring they’re still booming for years.
12. Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake just can’t seem to catch a break. This burger-and-steak joint has been closing up several spots since 2018, adding up to 200. A major management shake-up aims for a fresh start, but they have to be very careful, it’s going to be one tough and rocky road.
13. On The Border
The margaritas have stopped flowing for some On The Border spots. They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last March 2025, immediately tapping out dozens of locations. The fiesta’s over for this chain, although they still have franchises in other countries. Sadly, longtime regulars have to head elsewhere for another Tex-Mex dining experience.
14. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is making sure that every dollar (and Frosty) counts. Productivity has been on the agenda for this fast-food chain after its major restaurant closures in 2024. They’re not giving up; it’s a smart step to prioritize quality, keeping the business strong and growing.
15. IHOP
Their iconic blue floor will get a little less foot traffic in 2025, following the ongoing closure the same year. This is actually a direct result of how our morning meal habits have changed. The question is, can they still reinvent new menus when customers start looking beyond pancakes and maple syrup?
16. Fuddruckers
This chain is definitely learning the hard way that yesterday’s fame can’t guarantee tomorrow’s success. Worry not, Fuddruckers isn’t completely shutting down. Even though it’s been a tough year with major store closures, your DIY burger joint is ready to bounce back and reclaim its special place in diners’ hearts.
17. Quiznos
An unfortunate shadow of itself, Quiznos is slipping silently into history in 2025. Over the past decades, this toasted sub sensation has experienced a dramatic profit decline due to its massive store closures, from 4700 at its apex, down to around 150 spots all over the US. The company is still operating but remains at high risk of extinction.
18. White Castle
Don’t blink, even White Castle’s making a big change this year! This legendary slider chain is rethinking its locations, even after closing about 70 spots and a few distribution centers. This goes to show that they’re keeping their legacy alive and thriving in the demanding dining world.
19. Boston Market
The rotisserie has stopped turning for most Boston Market stores. They are in a full-blown freefall this 2025, with their multiple bankruptcies, messy legal battles, and unpaid bills resulting in an operational collapse. This has to be one of the most dramatic declines in the chain of American fast food this year.
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