1. Ruby Tuesday: Salad Bars Are History
Ruby Tuesday, a chain once famous for its fresh salad bars and approachable atmosphere, is shuttering more locations in 2025. Pandemic-related challenges and an inability to keep up with fast-casual competitors have led to this decline. Fans of its family-friendly dining and signature menu items may need to visit soon before more locations close for good.
2. TGI Fridays: Fewer Cheers for Endless Appetizers
TGI Fridays, a pioneer of casual dining since the 1960s, is pulling back on its footprint in 2025. Once synonymous with festive outings and happy hour fun, the chain has faced stiff competition from trendier restaurant concepts. Declining sales and fewer diners visiting sit-down restaurants have sealed the fate of many locations. Fans of the Jack Daniel’s burger or mozzarella sticks may need to find new go-to spots for their comfort food cravings.
3. Bojangles: Southern Comfort Loses Ground
Famous for its chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea, Bojangles is reducing its presence in 2025. Despite a strong following in the South, the chain has struggled to expand successfully beyond its core market. Rising food costs and increased competition from fast-food giants have taken their toll. For loyal customers, the closures will make finding Cajun fries and signature Southern charm a bit harder.
4. Sbarro: The Mall Staple Shrinks Further
Known for its oversized pizza slices and mall food court presence, Sbarro is continuing to shrink in 2025. With shopping malls in decline, the pizza chain has struggled to attract customers. Attempts to move into non-traditional locations like gas stations have yet to fully offset the losses. For those who remember grabbing a quick slice during a shopping trip, the closures mark the end of a nostalgic era.
5. Pizza Hut: Scaling Down the Red Roofs
Pizza Hut, long known for its iconic dine-in restaurants with red roofs, is closing many locations in 2025. As consumers shift toward delivery and faster options, the chain’s sit-down model has become less viable. While delivery and carryout will continue in most areas, the days of enjoying a family meal under the red roof are quickly fading. For many, it’s the end of an era steeped in childhood pizza parties and nostalgia.
6. Subway: Sandwich Giant Slimming Down
Subway, a global leader in fast-food sandwiches, is significantly reducing its footprint in 2025. Despite attempts to modernize with refreshed menus and redesigned stores, the chain has struggled to compete with smaller, gourmet sandwich shops. Critics have pointed to a lack of innovation and declining quality as factors in its struggles. Loyal fans may want to grab their favorite subs while they still can.
7. Applebee’s: The Neighborhood Grill Sizzles Out
Applebee’s, once a favorite for its casual dining charm and budget-friendly menu, is scaling back its operations in 2025. Despite efforts to attract younger diners with marketing campaigns like the viral “Fancy Like” ads, the chain has struggled to compete with smaller, locally-focused eateries. As sit-down dining continues to decline, Applebee’s is closing locations across the country. For fans of its signature half-price appetizers and welcoming vibe, it’s a bittersweet goodbye.
8. Quiznos: Toasted Subs Near Extinction
Quiznos, one of the first chains to specialize in toasted subs, is continuing its slow fade with more closures in 2025. Once a major rival to Subway, the chain faltered due to high franchise fees and intense competition. Efforts to revamp its menu and brand have failed to reverse its fortunes. For those who love its signature toasty subs, finding one may soon become a rarity.
9. Hooters: Wings and Beer Fly Away
Hooters, the casual dining chain famous for its lively atmosphere and signature wings, is shutting down several locations in 2025. Shifting social attitudes and increased competition have challenged the brand’s long-standing formula. Although efforts to modernize its image have been made, they haven’t been enough to sustain its nationwide presence. Fans will surely miss the combination of sports, comfort food, and nostalgia.
10. Steak ‘n Shake: The Shake Is Slowing
Steak ‘n Shake, known for its steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes, is closing more doors in 2025. The hybrid fast-food and diner chain has faced financial struggles for years, exacerbated by the pandemic. While some locations will remain as franchise operations, the closures signify a major contraction for the brand that many associate with affordable, nostalgic dining.
11. Friendly’s: Family Outings Fade Away
Friendly’s, a chain cherished for its ice cream and family-friendly atmosphere, is downsizing further in 2025. Once a staple for celebratory outings, the brand has struggled to compete in a shifting dining landscape. The decline of sit-down dining has hit Friendly’s especially hard. Longtime customers will miss its signature sundaes and warm, welcoming vibe.
12. Carl’s Jr.: Fewer Stops for Bold Burgers
Carl’s Jr., a chain known for its over-the-top burger creations, is pulling back on its locations in 2025. The rise of health-conscious eating habits and stiff competition from other fast-food giants have made it difficult for the chain to thrive. Fans of its Western Bacon Cheeseburger or edgy marketing campaigns may have fewer opportunities to enjoy their favorites.
13. Denny’s: Diner Dreams Dwindling
Denny’s, the iconic 24-hour diner, is closing multiple locations in 2025 as traditional diner fare becomes less popular. Known for its all-day breakfast and late-night pancakes, the chain has struggled to attract younger diners. For those who cherished its Grand Slam breakfasts and around-the-clock service, these closures mark a significant change in the dining landscape.
14. Red Lobster: Rough Waters for a Seafood Classic
Red Lobster, beloved for its Cheddar Bay Biscuits and seafood feasts, is scaling back operations in 2025. Rising food costs and increased competition have made it difficult for the brand to maintain profitability. Despite promotions like Lobsterfest, many locations will be closing, leaving fans of the chain to reminisce about special occasions spent enjoying its iconic dishes.
