Key facts
- Puckett's Restaurant closed locations in Hendersonville, Tenn., and Cullman, Ala., on Sept. 18.
- The closures were attributed to economic pressures and a strategic review by owner A. Marshall Hospitality.
- FAT Brands, which acquired Smokey Bones in September 2023, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2026.
- Smokey Bones closed all of its locations in April 2026.
- G.A.H. Bar-B-Q Inc., a franchisee of Woody's Bar-B-Q, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 24.
- Woody's Bar-B-Q plans to expand its current nine locations in Florida and one in North Carolina.
Puckett's Restaurant, a popular Southern barbecue chain, has closed two of its dining locations in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Cullman, Alabama, citing a challenging economic environment. The closures, which occurred on September 18, are part of a strategic effort by owner A. Marshall Hospitality to strengthen operations and focus on areas with longstanding relationships.
The broader barbecue restaurant sector has faced significant financial distress in 2026. FAT Brands, which acquired the 61-unit Smokey Bones Chain in September 2023, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2026 and subsequently closed all of its locations in April 2026. Separately, G.A.H. Bar-B-Q Inc., a franchisee of Woody's Bar-B-Q, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2023 on June 24, aiming to reorganize and continue operations.
Despite these challenges, Woody's Bar-B-Q itself is not closing locations and plans to expand its current nine locations in Florida and one in North Carolina, with new openings planned in Atlanta, Durham, N.C., and Melbourne, Fla. A. Marshall Hospitality stated that catering and events planned with the Hendersonville location will be honored or accommodated through other open Puckett's Restaurants, and gift cards remain valid at any A. Marshall Hospitality restaurant. The company is also working to support employees affected by the closures.