Popular casual dining chain Red Robin is quietly closing locations across the United States. Recent closures include spots in Illinois, Folsom, California, and Clifton, New Jersey. This follows a previous plan to shutter 70 restaurants as part of a cost-saving initiative. The chain's bottomless fries are a well-known menu item and a key part of their brand identity.

Over a year ago, Red Robin announced the "North Star plan" to cut costs and improve financial performance. Despite these efforts, the company reported a net loss of $18.4 million in the third quarter of 2025. The plan was partially reversed due to the success of a promotional deal called "Big YUMMM," which helped streamline operations.

Dave Pace, CEO and President of Red Robin, expressed optimism about the company's turnaround, citing progress in its transformation plan. The closures reflect ongoing challenges in the casual dining sector, which faces increased competition and changing consumer preferences. Investors should watch future earnings reports for a clearer picture of the chain's long-term health.

This trend highlights the broader difficulties many restaurant chains are experiencing. High inflation, rising labor costs, and evolving customer tastes have forced many to re-evaluate their strategies. Expect to see more consolidation and restructuring in the industry.