Red Robin to close 70 ‘underperforming’ restaurants, WA locations’ future unclear

As Red Robin, a national casual dining chain that specializes in burgers, struggles financially, 70 locations over the next five years will be shuttered, including 10 to 15 restaurants in 2025.

“During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company closed one restaurant location upon expiration of the lease and is evaluating alternatives for approximately 70 underperforming restaurant locations, including closure upon expiration of the current lease term,” the company shared in its fourth-quarter earnings release, according to The Tacoma News Tribune.

The chain has not publicly listed the specific locations in the official disclosures, as of this reporting.

There are 31 Red Robin restaurants across Washington, including locations in Kent, Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Wenatchee, and Yakima.

Red Robin’s finances

Red Robin has identified 70 of its 498 locations as “underperforming,” contributing to an overall operating loss of about $6 million in 2024.

Waiting for the leases to expire, Red Robin believes its financial woes will be softened by closing these restaurants over the next five years.

In 2025, Red Robin generated an overall income of $5.2 million, representing a $24.2 million increase compared to the previous year. The chain paid off $20.3 million of its debt after borrowing more than $100 million under its credit facility.

“The company reported significant improvements in labor cost efficiency and guest satisfaction scores,” TipRanks shared with The Tacoma News Tribune. “These operational changes have been positively received by guests, indicating a successful strategy in enhancing customer experience.”

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