8 Fast-Food Chains Closing Restaurants in 2024 (Is Yours on the List?)

Fast food chains have been struggling recently due to declining customers and additional costs from inflation.

That may be good news if you’re trying to stretch your fast-food budget, but it could also be a bummer if your favorite local places close up.

So, which restaurants are shutting down locations across the country? Here are a few you may want to keep your eye on this year in case they disappear.

You may have noticed that your local Boston Market was closed, and you wouldn’t be alone.

The chain has struggled in recent years with legal woes and possible bankruptcy filings, which has led to Boston Markets shutting down across the country. There are fewer than 30 locations open now.

Boston Market also faced legal challenges over unpaid bills. The company’s owner tried to file for bankruptcy twice, but a judge tossed both filings.

Several Hardee’s locations closed earlier this year, including restaurants in Illinois.

Customers saw the closures of Hardee’s in Champaign, Springfield, Chatham, Virden, and Monticello. The Springfield location has been there since 1984.

Chicago residents had to say goodbye to their White Castle when its location at 79th Street and W. Pulaski Road shut down earlier this year.

In October, the company also shut down a distribution center in Kentucky and a meat processing plant in Indiana and will route that work to other centers.

Burger and shake shop Shake Shack announced in August that it would be closing nine locations across three states.

California took the biggest hit with six locations closing, while Ohio had one closing and Texas had two closings.

While the company shut down these nine locations due to underperformance, it also announced that it would be opening around 80 new locations across the country that were either owned by Shake Shack or licensed to other owners.

Pizza Hut confirmed earlier this summer that it closed locations in Ohio and Indiana, leaving pizza fans without a slice of pie.

The shutdowns were caused by franchisee EYM Group's financial struggles. The group has already been sued for unpaid bills, and its issues could threaten almost 130 other locations that haven’t closed their doors yet.

Noodles and Company may be a good place to get a variety of noodle dishes, but you might be out of luck if your local restaurant closes.

The company recently announced that it plans to close around 20 restaurants, but there hasn’t been an official announcement on when those locations will close.

The brand's chief financial officer said the moves would close underperforming locations that have lost a combined $2 million for Noodles and Company.

Chicken lovers may have enjoyed PDQ for chicken tenders and fries, but there are fewer now for customers.

The company shuttered eight locations earlier this year, with North Carolina losing six spots and South Carolina shutting stores in Greenville and Columbia.

The South Carolina shutdowns mean the state no longer has any PDQ restaurants, and the chain is now in only four states: Florida, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey.

Residents in Quincy, Illinois, had to face the closure of its Steak ‘n Shake location at 3819 Broadway Street.

The announcement came after the passing of the location’s co-owner.

Fast food places can be an easy way to grab food, but you could also end up busting your budget if you’re a regular customer.

Check out your favorite restaurants’ mobile apps. These apps can help you earn points and perks and put some extra cash in your pocket when you visit.