Red Robin Is Likely Closing 20 Stores in 2026 (Are You Losing One?)

While everybody needs to eat, rising dining costs have American families cutting restaurants from their spending, and many look for ways to stretch their restaurant budget on the occasions they do choose to eat out.

As a result, fast-casual dining is taking a hit, and Red Robin is the latest chain to suffer consequences. With dozens of locations potentially closing, learn what the restaurant chain is doing to try and stay relevant in this turbulent financial landscape.

Red Robin has struggled to keep pace with casual dining rivals like Chili's and Applebee's, which emphasize both value and menu variety. While Red Robin focuses heavily on burgers, competitors have drawn customers with broader menus and promotions, including burger deals bundled with appetizers and drinks.

The chain has worked to rebuild its value reputation as part of a broader turnaround effort. CEO David Pace said the company's $9.99 Big Yummm value offer has resonated with diners, accounting for 10% of dine-in orders in the fourth quarter and helping drive additional traffic.

Red Robin has also closed underperforming restaurants as part of the strategy. Though more restaurants are expected to close in 2026, recent results show some improvement, including a 12.7% restaurant-level operating margin and adjusted EBITDA of $69.7 million, up 53% from the previous year.

Red Robin is considering closing approximately 20 restaurant locations this year. 

Underperforming locations are targeted for the cut, although a comprehensive list has not yet been released. The plan is to systematically let the leases on those locations expire without renewal for an organized and steady exit.

There are just under 500 Red Robin restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, spread out across 39 states and one Canadian province. 

Red Robin is neither the first nor the last restaurant to face financial challenges. Over the past couple of years, many staple chains have closed locations. Denny's, Wendy's, and Outback Steakhouse are just some of the companies that have historically retracted their footprints. Others, such as Tijuana Flats, Buca di Beppo, and TGI Fridays, have also previously filed for bankruptcy.

In 1926, the eatery location that would become the first Red Robin was advertised for rent in the classified section of the Seattle Times newspaper for a staggering $30 per month. It went through a series of owners and names before finally finding its groove as Red Robin in 1969.

According to restaurant legend, the name came from owner Samuel Caston, who would sing the hit song "When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along)" while he worked.

Red Robin is known for its bottomless sides, including everything from the iconic steak fries to bottomless Yukon chips, sweet potato fries, garlic fries, broccoli, or salad. The chain also offers a selection of bottomless drinks, and it's not just fountain drinks, either. Signature beverages such as the Freckled Lemonade and dirty sodas are also endlessly refillable.

While some locations are closing, exciting changes await current locations. Some new menu items include the Cowboy Ranch Double, the Bacon Club Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the Buzz Ranch Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and several other offerings. 

Pro-tip: If you decide to go to your local Red Robin soon to try these new menu items, bring your best cash back credit cards to earn more on your purchase. 

Previously, Red Robin was known for "flame-broiled" burgers cooked on a conveyor belt system. In 2023, the company switched to a flat-top grill to create an even more delicious flavor and has since rolled out this change to all locations. Red Robin's corporate leadership believes this allows them to offer higher-quality food that will keep customers returning for more.

Red Robin hopes to strategically avoid bankruptcy by closing unprofitable locations. This includes a loyalty program: Red Robin Royalty. The program is free to sign up for, and you can earn one point for every $1 spent, 100 of which gets you a $10 reward.

The chain also offers its iconic Big Yummm Deals promotion, which starts at $9.99 and offers an entrée, bottomless side, and beverage. Taking advantage of promotional offers like this can keep more cash in your wallet while also keeping your belly full, and could potentially help keep Red Robin from filing for bankruptcy.