Red Robin May Close Dozens of Locations — Texas Restaurants Could Be Affected
TEXAS — A National Burger Brand Faces Cuts
Red Robin, the casual dining chain famous for its gourmet burgers and bottomless fries, is preparing for a major downsizing. The company announced it may close about 70 underperforming restaurants over the next five years as part of a debt repayment strategy. While the chain has not confirmed which locations will be shuttered, 23 Red Robin restaurants in Texas are on the radar for evaluation.
Why Closures Are on the Table
The move comes after Red Robin reported a $77.5 million net loss in 2024, more than triple the year before. Revenue dipped to $1.25 billion, and company officials say that closing underperforming stores is necessary to stabilize operations.
CEO G.J. Hart told investors that 10 to 15 closures could happen in 2025 alone, mostly timed to lease expirations. Franchise-owned Red Robin restaurants are not included in the plan, meaning only corporate-run sites will be affected.
Texas Locations at Risk
Texas has been one of Red Robin’s stronger markets, but with 23 restaurants across the state, several could face review. Current Texas locations include:
- Austin
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Dallas suburbs such as Garland, Arlington, Flower Mound, and Cedar Hill
- Other cities like Abilene, Amarillo, Katy, Killeen, Lubbock, Pasadena, Pearland, Pharr, Selma, Shenandoah, Spring, and Wichita Falls
None of these have been officially marked for closure, but industry analysts note that mid-tier casual dining chains are struggling in many suburban markets.
How Red Robin Plans to Bounce Back
To keep loyal guests engaged, Red Robin is rolling out new limited-time menu items, expanding its salad offerings, and investing in promotions throughout 2025. Early results from the first weeks of the year showed improved comparable sales, though the long-term picture remains challenging.
Other national chains have faced similar downsizing pressures. Denny’s announced 70–90 closures this year, while Wendy’s closed 276 restaurants in 2024, part of a broader industry contraction.
Author POV
As someone who’s eaten at Red Robin across Texas, from Austin to Katy, these restaurants are more than just burger joints — they’re family gathering spots. The possibility of closures hits harder in smaller markets like Abilene or Amarillo, where casual dining options are already limited. While trimming weaker stores may save the brand overall, it also risks erasing familiar places that have hosted everything from birthday dinners to after-game celebrations.
What’s Next for Texans
For now, the future of Red Robin in Texas remains uncertain. The company has not published a definitive closure list, but residents in the 23 listed cities should watch for updates as lease renewals approach.
Would you miss your neighborhood Red Robin if it closed? Share your memories of burgers and bottomless fries in the comments, and keep following CityScoopNow.com for updates on restaurant closures and openings across Texas.