Twin Hospitality Files Chapter 11, Keeps Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones Open

Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on Jan. 26, 2026, saying it will pursue a restructuring to deleverage its balance sheet and maximize value for stakeholders. The company said both brands are expected to remain open during the process and that normal operations will continue while it works with advisors, lenders, franchise partners and a claims agent.

The filing names legal and financial advisers Latham & Watkins LLP, GLC Advisors & Co. and Huron Consulting Services. Omni Agent Solutions is the proposed noticing and claims agent. Twin Hospitality emphasized its intent to preserve operations and support franchise partners and “the thousands of corporate and franchise employees” tied to its brands during the restructuring.

For restaurant workers and managers, the immediate reality is one of continuity with an overlay of uncertainty. Front-of-house staff, kitchen crews and store managers should expect restaurants to stay open for the near term, with schedules and service routines largely unchanged as the company says it will maintain operations. Corporate employees tasked with finance, operations and franchise support are likely to be involved in the restructuring effort and could see shifting priorities as advisers and lenders negotiate a plan.

Franchise partners operate under separate agreements and may face differing exposures. Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones franchisees will need to coordinate with Twin Hospitality and lenders on supply, marketing and royalty arrangements; the filing signals the company intends to work with franchise partners rather than interrupt brand services. Vendors and suppliers should monitor notices from the proposed claims agent, Omni Agent Solutions, which will handle case communications and filings.

Chapter 11 gives the company breathing room to restructure debt while continuing business, but it does not guarantee outcomes for every location or position. Restructurings can result in renegotiated contracts, asset sales or targeted closures as a court-approved plan is developed. Payroll and tipping practices generally continue under Chapter 11, but employees should watch for official communications from their employer and from the claims agent and retain pay stubs and employment records in case they need to file a claim.

The next steps include court scheduling, creditor and franchisee negotiations, and the submission of a reorganization plan. The named advisers will steer the legal and financial process, and Omni Agent Solutions will issue notices to interested parties. For workers, the key signals to watch are formal notices from Twin Hospitality or Omni Agent Solutions and communications from store leadership about scheduling, benefits and payroll.

This filing keeps service on the menu while the company seeks to fix its balance sheet; employees and franchise partners will be watching closely as the court process unfolds and concrete decisions on long-term operations and staffing take shape.