Illinois Closings: This Fast Food Giant May Be Shuttering Stores

For over a year now, it seems as though each new week brings some news about another company with locations throughout the country deciding (or being forced to decide) to permanently close multiple locations.

We've seen several major retailers in Illinois close their doors forever, and we've seen even more national restaurant chains do the same thing. Examples would include:

• Red Lobster
• Cracker Barrel
• Applebee's
• Boston Market
• TGI Fridays
• Denny's
• Outback Steakhouse
• MOD Pizza
• Hooters

You have been hearing phrases like "bankruptcy protection, "underperforming locations," and "slated for closure" for the better part of the last three years, and that doesn't appear to be slowing down at the mid-point of 2024.

The latest chain to make an announcement is known for their neon cowboy hat floating above people's heads, and Ving Rhames' pronouncement of "We have the meats!"

An Arby's Franchise Group That Owns Multiple Arby's Restaurants Has Filed For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy And Plans To Sell Or Close Spots In 3 States, Including Illinois

To be clear, this is not Arby's themselves filing for bankruptcy, this is a franchise group that owns multiple Arby's spots. Arby's is owned by Inspire Brands, who also happen to own Baskin Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's and SONIC. The franchise group that filed for Chapter 11 is Miracle Restaurant Group.

Miracle Restaurant Group currently owns and operates 25 Arby's restaurants across Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

According to court documents related to the filing, Miracle Restaurant Group says that they'll market and sell 8 Illinois Arby's locations, 7 Texas locations, and 2 Indiana spots. They plan to focus solely on their Arby's stores in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Which Illinois Arby's Locations Are Being Marketed, Sold, Or Potentially Being Closed?

According to a piece at IndyStar.com, the Illinois Arby's locations that are related to Miracle Restaurant Group are:

• 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
• 1169 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - CLOSED
• 340 North York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126
• 1874 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
• 2307 Jefferson, Joliet, IL 60435 - CLOSED
• 9550 W. 179th St., Tinley Park, IL 60477
• 1800 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, IL 60050 - CLOSED
• 520 Townline Road, Mundelein, IL 60060 - CLOSED
• 7001 W. Dempster Ave., Niles, IL 60714
• 2539 Greenbay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064
• 139 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067 - CLOSED
• 1331 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 - CLOSED
• 776 Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073