Barbecue restaurants have faced financial distress in 2026, with certain restaurant chains closing locations and, in some cases, filing for bankruptcy.
The most prominent chain closure was barbecue restaurant operator FAT Brands, which purchased the 61-unit Smokey Bones Chain in September 2023, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2026, and subsequently closed all of the barbecue chain’s locations in April 2026.
Melbourne, Fla.-based franchisee of popular barbecue dining chain Woody’s Bar-B-Q, G.A.H. Bar-B-Q Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2023 on June 24, seeking to reorganize its business again and continue operating.
Woody’s Bar-B-Que, however, is not closing locations, and is planning to add to its current nine locations in Florida and one in North Carolina, with new openings coming in Atlanta, Durham, N.C., and Melbourne, Fla.
Puckett’s Restaurant closes locations
And now, popular Southern barbecue chain Puckett’s Restaurant closed dining locations in Hendersonville, Tenn., and Cullman, Ala., citing a challenging economic environment, according to a statement from owner A. Marshall Hospitality. The company has not filed for bankruptcy.
“With these closings, we will be focusing on strengthening our operations and committing to the neighborhoods where we have the most longstanding relationships,” A. Marshall Hospitality CEO Claire Crowell said in a statement. “As a family business, we are always aware of how our decisions made today impact the next generation, and we take that responsibility seriously.
“While growth may not be our current focus, we are always looking ahead and making thoughtful decisions so that Puckett’s will have a strong and sustainable future,” Crowell said.
Economic pressures lead to closures
Puckett’s Restaurant’s Hendersonville and Cullman locations closed on Sept. 18, as “a result of economic pressures and a strategic look at how to best position the brand for long term success,” A. Marshall Hospitality said in a statement.
The Franklin, Tenn.-based restaurant chain continues operating six other Puckett’s locations in Chattanooga, Columbia, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville, and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. It also operates high-end steakhouse Deacon’s New South in downtown Nashville and casual restaurant Scout’s Pub in Franklin, Tenn.
Catering and events planned with the Hendersonville location will be honored or accommodated through other Puckett’s Restaurant locations that remain open. Gift cards are accepted at any A. Marshall Hospitality restaurant and do not expire, the statement said.
Owners support affected employees
A. Marshall Hospitality is working with employees directly impacted by the closures to offer alternative opportunities and support them during their transition, the company said in a statement.
“We want to thank the Hendersonville and Cullman communities, particularly our incredible staff and guests, for their support over the last few years,” Crowell said. “Every family meal, night of live music or conversation shared with a cup of coffee contributed to our meaningful time in these communities.
“We hope to see those familiar faces at one of our other Tennessee locations in the future,” Crowell said.
Puckett’s Grocery opened in 1950s
Puckett’s Restaurant’s roots date back to the 1950s when it was founded as a small grocery store, Puckett’s Grocery, in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tenn.
Entrepreneur Andy Marshall, who owned several Piggly Wiggly stores in the Southeast, sold his stores in 1998 and purchased Puckett’s Grocery. Marshall in 2002 transformed the grocery store into a Puckett’s Restaurant and music venue, which features local, up-and-coming Southern artists on stage each night and eventually expanded to an eight-location chain.
Some major country stars have appeared on stage at Puckett’s Restaurant, according to its website, including Lady A and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Don Schlitz, who wrote “The Gambler” for Kenny Rogers and co-wrote “Forever and Ever, Amen” for Randy Travis. Schlitz, 73, passed away in Nashville on April 16, 2026.
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