In recent years, the US restaurant industry has been experiencing a tumultuous period, with economic pressure, displacement of consumer habits, and increasing operating costs, forcing many thriving chains to scales or exclude. While the closure of restaurants occurs periodically, the number of restaurants closed its doors in 2025, signaling more deep challenges.
Among the problems that restaurants face include inflation and labor shortages, which makes it difficult to keep up with different trends and competitive prices without sacrificing quality. The brands that have become American household names and have opened hundreds of restaurants across the country are forced to make cuts and casualties.
Burger chains are no exception, with several big names asserting several stores in the first quarter of 2025 and more to come. Although burgers are the most important American cuisine (over 60% of the sandwiches sold in the United States are burgers), the market is also very saturated. If the user wants a burger, he has many options. And as buyers become more frugal than their hard-earned money, some burger chains are struggling to stay on sailing.
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TGI Friday
TGI Restaurant Exterior Friday – Brett_Hondow/Getty Images
Unfortunately, TGI Friday is on the list of beloved restaurants that we can lose this year. Known for its lively happy hours with cocktails and appetizers (some better than others), the chain observed a sharp decline. In 2020, the chain managed 386 restaurants in the United States; As of March 2025 it is up to 123.
TGI Friday debuted in New York in 1965, quickly gaining popularity for its burgers, appetizers and classic American tariff. However, he recently saw a series of gaps. Last November, the chain applied for bankruptcy, but said its restaurants would remain open. In a press release, Rohit Manoche, executive chairman of TGI Friday’s Inc., called this move “difficult but necessary.” Since then, the chain has experienced some relief. In January, a judge agreed to leave TGI Friday to sell nine of its 39 corporate restaurants, allowing the brand to reduce its debt by over $ 34 million.
However, this result was not enough to save TGI Friday from several closure in early 2025. In January, the company’s final four places in Las Vegas were given the shoe, turning the entire region into the dead zone of TGI on Friday. More than 30 seats in New York, Ohio, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania were closed in the same time frame, with more closure ahead. This was followed by a rough year in 2024, which saw about 100 closures on Friday.
Bonburgers
Outside the Bulb Bulb Restaurant – Walter Cicchetti / Shutterstock
Bad news for Wahlburgers fans. HY-VEE, the mid-west supermarket chain, has announced in January that it will end 79 of its seats at the Wahlburgers store. HY-VEE first partnered with the 2018 fast food chain, later converting some of its restaurants to the Wahlburgers market grille. It is convenient that buyers can still take a quick bite to eat at HY-VEE. The supermarket refreshes its dining strategy by replacing the burger with its concept of a market grille.
This is a pretty blow for Wahlburgers as many of its places were in HY-VEE grocery stores. The closure leave the fast food chain with about 40 seats in the United States. Despite the failures, the Wahlburgers team remains positive, with CEO Randy Sharp noting that Wahlburgers performed better in his independent places and the separation is ultimately the best. Ideally, Wahlburgers will soon regain the foundation, which will allow fans to continue to enjoy the juicy beef of the chain, fluffy potato buns and Wahl signature sauce for years to come.
Jack in the box
Outside Jack in the box – Kirby Lee/Getty images
Established in 1951 in San Diego, California, Jack in the box, over the years he has observed more than his fair share of ups and falls. Currently, the fast food chain is still improving its balancing act. In February 2025, the company announced the closure of six more seats. On the contrary, the burger chain also expanded, opening five new retail outlets at potential hot spots. This strategic approach can allow Jack in the box to be positioned for optimal success.
With minor failures, 2024 is some difficulties for the burger chain. However, the restaurant managed to open many new places, including five in and around Detroit. By the end of the year, Jack in the Box Sales dropped by only 1.3%. Even with his slightly rocky start in 2025, Jack in the box is committed to maintaining his relevance while honoring his heritage as a pioneer in the driving industry.
Read the original Mashed article.