O'Charley's Restaurant Chain Shuts All 52 Locations After 55 Years
The Nashville-based O'Charley's Restaurant and Bar announced the immediate closure of its remaining 52 U.S. locations, ending a 55-year operation amid declining sales.
O'Charley's Restaurant and Bar said it will close all of its remaining locations across the United States, ending a 55-year run that began with its first restaurant in 1971. The chain, which operated 52 stores at the time of the announcement, cited continued declines in customer traffic and sales.
Company filings show sales fell 34% between 2017 and 2022, and the firm closed 51 locations in 2023. Although partnerships with NASCAR and Coca-Cola were introduced in an effort to boost performance, the measures did not reverse the downward trend. In 2026 the chain reported further drops in sales, prompting the decision to cease operations.
"We are deeply grateful to our employees, franchisees and guests for their support over the years," a company spokesperson said in a statement.
The closures affect employees at the 52 sites, who are now out of work, and add O'Charley's to a list of recent restaurant shutdowns, including Smokey Bones and the Heart Attack Grill, which also ended operations in 2026.