A casual dining staple with nearly 500 locations across the United States has begun suddenly closing restaurants across the nation.
Red Robin suddenly closed an Illinois site yesterday, announcing the news with a sign at the door of the restaurant that read, “Attention all respected guests: thank you for being here. We are better for you being here.”
“We are all disappointed by this news and hope to see you at another of our locations very soon,” the note continued. “Thanks for the bottomless memories,” a reference to the chain’s iconic bottomless fries offering.
The sudden closure comes on the same day that Red Robin pulled the plug on its Folsom, California restaurant, and a Clifton, New Jersey, location was also closed for good.
At the end of 2024, Red Robin confirmed plans to close 70 locations in a desperate cost-saving move. The firm confirmed the scheme, dubbed “the North Star plan,” in a press release, promising to bring hungry customers back to its restaurants.
The quick turnaround plan led to a dramatic reduction in losses, although the company still incurred a devastating net loss of $18.4 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2025, according to another press release.
During the first, second and third quarters of 2025, the firm reported that it had generated just under $1 billion ($941.2 million), bringing its total loss in that period to a loss of $13.2m.
That was a marked improvement from the same period in 2024, during which the company reported a loss of $37.8 million.
Dave Pace, CEO and president of Red Robin, wrote in the press release that the reversal of the brand’s fortunes can be attributed to the Big YUMMM promotional deal. He also pointed out that the fast-food company had simplified its operation.
“While we are still at the beginning of our transformation, progress on all pillars of our First Choice plan gives me tremendous confidence that we are on the right track to make Red Robin the first choice for guests, team members, and investors,” said Pace.
The Big YUMMM promotion has relaunched today and features entrees and specials as low as $9.99. The deal is designed to bring the price of its in-store meals in line with cheaper drive-thru varieties.
Fan favorite treats like the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich are included in the promotion, along with new dishes, including the Cowboy Ranch Burger. Side dishes and bottomless drinks are also wrapped up in the deal.
Red Robin has been serving burgers since 1940, when it was a small chain known as Sam’s Tavern. Eventually, it became known as Sam’s Red Robin Tavern until the 1960s, when the “Sam” name was dropped.
The Independent contacted Red Robin for comment.