Low-performing Smokey Bones restaurant closes

The closure is part of a companywide brand elimination – 55 other Smokey Bones primarily in the eastern United States also closed, and the remaining 73 locations have been put up for sale.

The 2040 E. Independence Ave. restaurant, formerly Rio Bravo, opened in July 2004.

“It was a very good location, but it just did not work as a barbecue restaurant,” Darden spokesman Joe Chabus said. “There are a number of Smokey Bones restaurants that have not performed well for some time, and unfortunately the Springfield restaurant was one of them – and that declining trend had accelerated.”

Chabus said Darden is working to offer the restaurant’s 80 employees jobs at other restaurants under the company’s banner. Those include Olive Garden and Red Lobster, which both have a Springfield location, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52. Employees who do not stay with Darden will be offered severance pay and counseling, Chabus said.

Meanwhile, Darden officials are contemplating plans for the Springfield building, which it leases from Glenstone I Limited Partnership. The Orlando-based company will determine if it can reopen under another Darden brand, Chabus said. If a Bahama Breeze or Seasons 52 is not fit for the Springfield building, Chabus said it will be sub-leased, or Darden will buy out the remainder of its contract.

Bahama Breeze specializes in island-style seafood, chicken and steak, and Seasons 52 is a grill and wine bar with a menu that changes with the seasons.[[In-content Ad]]