According to The Sun , Famous Dave’s, a well-known national barbecue chain celebrating its 30th anniversary, has unexpectedly closed two of its restaurants in Washington State. The closures, which took place on December 4, affect the last two Famous Dave’s locations in Western Washington—Tacoma and Tukwila.
The closures came as a surprise, especially since the Tacoma restaurant had undergone a remodel earlier in 2024. Located in the Tacoma Place plaza alongside WinCo Foods, the restaurant had been temporarily shut down from January to April for upgrades, including new flooring and other improvements. A reopening celebration with a country music event had marked its return in April.
Fans were informed of the closures on social media by Ascend Hospitality Group, the franchise owner. A heartfelt message expressed gratitude to the local community, thanking loyal customers for their years of support and memories made over meals at Famous Dave’s.
“Thank you for allowing us to be part of your celebrations, family dinners, and everyday moments. It has been our greatest privilege to serve you,” the post read.
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Though the exact reasons for the closures remain unclear, the sudden shutdowns reflect a broader trend of restaurant closures in 2024, which have been attributed to high inflation and changing consumer spending habits. Many restaurants, including other fast food chains, have struggled with rising operational costs, with dining out costs increasing by 3.6% year-over-year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The closures also impacted employees, who were offered compensation and job-search assistance.
With these two closures, Famous Dave’s now has a single location left in Washington, located in Yakima. The company operates around 180 restaurants in over 30 states nationwide, and this marks a significant shift in the brand’s presence in the region.