Famous Dave’s Shutters 2 Washington Locations

According to The Sun , Famous Dave’s, the beloved national barbecue chain celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has unexpectedly closed two of its locations in Western Washington. The Tacoma and Tukwila restaurants shut their doors on December 4, marking the end of the chain’s presence in that region.

Despite one of the locations having undergone a remodel earlier in 2024, the closures come abruptly. The Tacoma branch had just been updated with new flooring and repairs, having reopened in April with a celebratory event featuring live country music.

Ascend Hospitality Group, the franchise owner, made the announcement on social media, expressing gratitude to the community. The post read, “For many years, we’ve had the honor of serving this community, sharing countless memories over plates of classic ‘que and good company, and for that, we are grateful.” The message also acknowledged the loyal customers who made Famous Dave’s a special part of their celebrations and daily lives.

Though the exact reasons for the closures remain unclear, the timing seems particularly surprising given the recent investment in the Tacoma location. The franchise owner did confirm that employees impacted by the shutdowns were offered compensation and assistance with job searches.

The closures leave the Yakima location as the last remaining Famous Dave’s in Washington state, as both the Tacoma and Tukwila locations are now listed as “permanently closed” on the restaurant’s website.

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The Broader Trend of Restaurant Closures in 2024

The closures at Famous Dave’s are part of a larger trend within the restaurant industry, as high inflation and shifting consumer habits continue to impact the sector. The cost of dining out rose by 3.6% from November 2023 to November 2024, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many restaurants, including fast food chains, have been forced to close locations due to consumers scaling back on discretionary spending.

This year’s wave of restaurant closures has even impacted some long-standing favorites, with notable establishments—like an Olive Garden rival—shutting down locations after diners noticed signs being removed. Meanwhile, a Denny’s competitor is at risk of losing a cultural landmark, as a beloved 85-year-old restaurant faces an uncertain future.