Arthur Treacher’s Decline
At the peak of its fame during the 1970s, Arthur Treacher’s operated over 800 locations across the United States. Fast forward to today, and the chain has shrunk to just three locations in Ohio, with the Cleveland Heights restaurant slated to reopen in 2025 on the site of a former location. This significant decline prompts one to wonder what led to its downfall. A variety of factors contributed to the challenges faced by the chain, notably the “cod wars” between the U.K. and Iceland, which drove up the costs of their main ingredient.
The Attempted Relaunch
In 2021, Nathan’s Famous, which acquired the rights to co-brand Arthur Treacher’s products in 2002, announced a plan to revive the chain as a virtual, delivery-only brand. This initiative aimed to reintroduce classic menu items along with a few new additions through a partnership with Franklin Junction. So far, the collaboration has initiated the launch of over 150 virtual restaurants, indicating that Arthur Treacher’s may still have potential in the seafood market.
Long John Silver’s Journey
Long John Silver’s was once a formidable player in the casual dining scene, with approximately 1,500 locations between 1979 and 1989, thriving on America’s taste for deep-fried comfort food. However, the chain began experiencing a decline, ultimately reducing its footprint to just over 480 locations. Part of the issue was related to shifting consumer preferences towards healthier meals. In 2013, the Center for Science in the Public Interest declared the chain’s Big Catch the “Worst Meal in America,” due to its alarming nutritional content, ultimately forcing Long John Silver’s to remove it from their menu.
Ownership Changes and Challenges
Once holding two-thirds of the fast-food seafood market, Long John Silver’s lost its stronghold as larger competitors emerged. After accumulating substantial debt, the chain was sold to private investors for $620 million in 1989. Even after this change in ownership, Long John Silver’s filed for bankruptcy in 1998. The chain changed hands multiple times and became part of a portfolio that included brands like A&W Restaurants and Yum! Brands, yet these transformations failed to restore the brand to its former success.
Bonefish Grill’s Struggles
In 2024, Bonefish Grill faced major challenges. The restaurant chain, which belongs to the Bloomin’ Brands group, reported a concerning decline in its performance during the third quarter, with foot traffic down by 10% and a 4.1% drop in sales from the previous year. The fourth quarter brought further difficulties, resulting in the layoff of 100 employees and plans to resize the menu across Bonefish Grill and other restaurants under the Bloomin’ Brands umbrella, such as Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
A History of Instability
This isn’t Bonefish Grill’s first experience with financial troubles. In 2016, Bloomin’ Brands announced the closure of 14 Bonefish Grill restaurants due to weak performance. By 2022, the chain had further contracted to 185 locations, and as of now, it operates only 166 restaurants. To rejuvenate its flagging brand, Bonefish Grill introduced a new menu in 2025, but whether this strategy will be effective remains uncertain.
Kona Grill’s Rise and Fall
Founded in 1998 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kona Grill specializes in American and Asian cuisine, particularly focusing on meat, seafood, and sushi. The chain grew swiftly, reaching 46 locations by 2017 and even doubling its restaurants from 2013 to 2017. However, this rapid expansion resulted in mounting debt, with each new location costing the company about $4 million. Consumer numbers and sales began to dwindle starting in 2015.
Bankruptcy and Acquisition
In 2019, Kona Grill filed for bankruptcy due to $33.2 million in debt. Before this, the company had already closed four locations in 2018 and enacted cost-cutting measures that reduced investment in staff training and menu innovation. The chain was acquired by The ONE Group in 2019 for $25 million, along with $11 million in assumed liabilities, but struggled to maintain traction, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there are only 27 Kona Grill locations in the U.S., and the future remains uncertain.
The Story of H. Salt Esquire Fish & Chips
Established in 1965 by Haddon Salt and his wife Grace, H. Salt Esquire Fish & Chips specializes in classic fish and chips. The first restaurant opened in Sausalito, California, quickly expanding throughout the state. In 1969, recognizing the need for growth, Salt sold his company to Kentucky Fried Chicken, becoming one of the chain’s major shareholders.
Decline of the Brand
Over the years, Salt grew uneasy with KFC’s intentions regarding H. Salt Esquire. Eventually, he departed in 1973 after KFC changed the menu, compromising ingredient quality and turning him into a marketing mascot akin to Colonel Sanders. Today, H. Salt Esquire Fish & Chips continues to operate with a single remaining restaurant in Orange, California, offering its signature “non-greasy” fish.
Joe’s Crab Shack’s Downfall
Founded in Houston in 1991, Joe’s Crab Shack quickly grew, opening multiple locations within a few years. By 2009, the chain had around 130 restaurants, but this was the peak of its success. Subsequent years saw a sharp decline in sales and many closures, culminating in Ignite Restaurant Group filing for bankruptcy in 2017. This led to over 40 restaurants closing, and Joe’s Crab Shack vanished entirely from states like Indiana and Michigan.
Challenges Faced
While there isn’t a singular cause for the decline of Joe’s Crab Shack, outdated concepts and operational missteps likely played a significant role. Issues included the chain’s continued use of trans fats despite earlier pledges to eliminate them. Additionally, the introduction of a no-tipping policy in 2015 backfired, as diners reacted poorly to the increase in menu prices to cover higher wages.
McCormick & Schmick’s Issues
Positioned as a purveyor of “the most sustainable fish,” McCormick & Schmick’s has not fared well in terms of sustainable growth. The upscale seafood chain has seen diminishing success since its acquisition by Landry’s Inc. in 2011. At that time, Landry’s CEO noted that the chain expanded too aggressively during a recession and that many locations were situated in markets hit hard by economic downturns.
A Declining Presence
After acquiring McCormick & Schmick’s, Landry’s Inc. began closing several restaurants, and by 2020, the chain shuttered long-standing locations. Now, only 20 McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants remain operational. The challenges faced mimic those of other casual dining chains, grappling with changing consumer habits and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legal Sea Foods and Its Legacy
Legal Sea Foods began as a fish market in 1950 and opened its initial restaurant in 1968. At its peak in 2001, it had 25 locations along the East Coast. However, the chain has gradually decreased in size, and as of 2020, it was acquired by PPX Hospitality Brands. Legal Sea Foods has faced similar adversities as other casual dining establishments, with changing consumer preferences, increasing costs, and the pandemic leading to closures.
The Lost Cajun: A Cautionary Tale
Founded in 2010, The Lost Cajun enjoyed rapid growth to 24 locations by 2020, popularizing Southern-style cuisine. However, like many restaurants, it fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic and filed for bankruptcy in 2021 due to staggering liabilities. Now, only four locations remain in operation, a significant decrease that highlights the sector’s volatility.
Nostalgia of Seafood Chains
Chains like Boston Sea Party and Fish Shanty, though no longer in operation, still hold a place in the memories of consumers. Boston Sea Party was famous for its buffet-style experience and colonial themes, while Fish Shanty was cherished for its unique ambiance and nautical design. These nostalgic memories serve as a reminder of the transient nature of the restaurant industry and its susceptibility to changing trends.
