Local Smokey Bones Restaurant Survives Closings

A local chain restaurant survived a massive cut announced by the parent company over the weekend.

Darden Restaurants is closing 56 of its Smokey Bones Barbeque and Grills.

Three Tennessee stores in the Nashville and Memphis area are on the hit list.

But the Hamilton Place location will remain open.

The company will now try to sell the rest of the chain.

Here is the release from Darden Restaurants from over the weekend:

"Darden Restaurants, Inc. today announced the closure of 56 Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill and two Rocky River Grillhouse restaurants. Darden will offer the remaining 73 Smokey Bones restaurants for sale – all located in the eastern half of the United States.

A list of the closed restaurants is available at www.smokeybones.com/closed_restaurants.asp

The action comes as part of an overall effort by the company to better position Darden for future growth. Smokey Bones has lagged the performance of Darden’s other brands as the barbecue concept’s core guests chose to dine at Smokey Bones with less frequency.

The company had been testing the possibility of converting some units to a new format called Rocky River Grillhouse. That longer-term test featuring fire-grilled foods was predicated on Smokey Bones’ ability to stabilize its business. Long-term performance declines, however, continued and recently accelerated, making that test not viable.

"Darden is doing the difficult things required to grow," said Darden Chairman and CEO Clarence Otis in a statement released May 5. Smokey Bones restaurants remaining open form a viable business, but one that is not consistent with Darden’s vision for a national restaurant concept.

This decision does not change Darden’s long-term growth goals. It also allows Darden to refocus many talented employees, providing stronger opportunities for these Darden people.

This action in no way reflects adversely on the hard work of everyone associated with Smokey Bones. And, consistent with Darden’s culture, the company will take care of every person affected. Employees affected by the closures will be given opportunities to transfer to other Darden locations. For those who leave the company, Darden will provide support to help their transition.

The action yields the greatest value to Darden shareholders. There are a number of Smokey Bones restaurants that have not performed well for some time now and the declining trend has accelerated. Without the stabilization of the core business, a longer-term test to convert to Rocky River Grillhouse was not viable. Darden expects its profitability to improve with this action. "