This popular BBQ chain closes 3 locations, files bankruptcy
A popular barbecue chain has become the latest casualty of skyrocketing meat prices, closing multiple locations and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a desperate attempt to restructure its operations. Smoke Ring, LLC, which operates restaurants under the Ray Ray’s, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit and Ray Ray’s Ohio Style brand names, submitted its bankruptcy petition on December 19, 2025, citing financial pressures that have plagued the barbecue industry throughout the year.
The Columbus-based chain, which first opened its doors in 2009, has already shuttered three Ohio locations as part of its struggle to stay afloat. The closures mark a difficult period for a restaurant brand that built its reputation on combining traditional American barbecue techniques with innovative approaches that attracted devoted fans across the region.
Three locations already closed
Ray Ray’s confirmed that three of its Ohio establishments have permanently closed their doors. The 1) Johnstown location and 2) Marion location both ceased operations on November 12, 2025, while the 3) Linworth food truck shut down in November as part of a broader consolidation effort. The chain has not indicated whether additional closures are planned as part of its bankruptcy restructuring process.
Despite the setbacks, four Ray Ray’s locations remain operational. The 1) Clintonville restaurant in Columbus continues offering dine-in and carry-out service, while the 2) Franklinton location operates inside Land-Grant Brewing. The 3) Westerville spot provides drive-thru and walk-up carry-out options, and the 4) Granville location offers both dine-in service and drive-thru convenience.
Meat prices squeeze barbecue chains
The bankruptcy filing comes as beef prices have surged to unprecedented levels, creating severe financial strain for restaurants that depend heavily on meat products. Unlike other dining establishments that can shift to fish, chicken or vegetarian alternatives when prices climb, barbecue restaurants have limited flexibility since beef and pork form the core of their menus.
Industry experts have warned that the situation could worsen before improving. Omaha Steaks CEO Nate Rempe predicted that ground beef prices could reach ten dollars per pound by the third quarter of 2026, with meaningful price decreases unlikely until 2027. The projection reflects concerns about the nation’s shrinking cattle supply combined with record demand levels.
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms the troubling trend. Ground beef retail prices climbed 13 percent in August 2025 compared to the previous year, while steak prices jumped 16.6 percent and minced beef increased 12.8 percent on a year-over-year basis. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s meat price index reached an all-time high in July, driven partly by strong import demand from China and the United States.
Bankruptcy details and restructuring timeline
According to court documents filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Smoke Ring reported between one million and ten million dollars in both assets and liabilities. The case has been assigned to Judge Mina Nami Khorrami, and the company remains in control of its business operations as debtor in possession while working on a restructuring plan.
Under Subchapter V rules, Ray Ray’s must submit a reorganization plan by March 19, 2026. The company’s business address is listed as 6670 Busch Boulevard in Columbus.
Industry-wide struggles continue
Ray Ray’s joins several other barbecue chains that have filed for bankruptcy protection in 2024 and 2025. Sticky Fingers Restaurants filed for Chapter 11 in March 2025 after years of financial difficulties, while Smokin’ Dutchman Holdings, a Dickey’s Barbecue franchisee in Michigan, sought bankruptcy protection to reorganize debt for four locations. Burnt BBQ & Tacos in Plano, Texas, also filed for Chapter 11 protection in July 2025.
The wave of bankruptcies highlights the perfect storm facing barbecue restaurants: rising meat costs, struggling consumers, increased labor expenses and a challenging overall operating environment that shows few signs of improving in the near term.
Source: TheStreet
