National Restaurant Chain Closing Multiple Pittsburgh Locations

Red Robin to shutter 20 restaurants nationwide as it tries to optimize its portfolio.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The national restaurant chain Red Robin has announced it will close 20 locations across the country this year, including several of its six Pittsburgh-area restaurants. The company cited the need to optimize its portfolio as the reason for the closures, though the specific locations set to shut down have not been disclosed.

Why it matters

The downsizing of Red Robin's footprint in the Pittsburgh region reflects broader challenges facing the restaurant industry, including the impact of the pandemic, changing consumer preferences, and intense competition. The closures will impact local jobs and communities that have come to rely on these established dining options.

The details

Red Robin closed 23 restaurants last year, finishing 2025 with 475 locations nationwide. In an earnings call, CEO David Paces said the company is "still trying to optimize the portfolio." To address its financial woes, Red Robin has also introduced a new menu featuring a tiered pricing structure and expanded offerings beyond burgers, such as chicken sandwiches, pizza, and barbecue wraps.

  • Red Robin closed 23 restaurants in 2025.
  • Red Robin finished 2025 with 475 locations in the U.S.

The players

Red Robin

A national restaurant chain with multiple locations in the Pittsburgh region, known for its burgers and other casual dining fare.

David Paces

The CEO of Red Robin, who discussed the company's plans to close 20 restaurants and optimize its portfolio during an earnings call.

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What they’re saying

“I think in terms of the restaurant (franchise) size, we are still trying to optimize the portfolio.”

— David Paces, CEO, Red Robin (Earnings call)

What’s next

The specific locations of the 20 Red Robin restaurants set to close have not been disclosed, so the impact on the Pittsburgh market remains unclear. The company will need to provide more details on which sites will be shuttered.

The takeaway

Red Robin's downsizing reflects the ongoing challenges facing the restaurant industry, as companies work to adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions. The closures will impact local communities, underscoring the need for businesses to carefully evaluate their portfolios and optimize their footprints to remain competitive.