Ray Ray’s Hog Pit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Columbus-area barbecue fans now face a smaller map. Parent company Smoke Ring LLC cut three Ohio locations before filing. The other four spots remain open while the company works through reorganization.
Key Takeaways
- Smoke Ring LLC, operator of Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, filed for Chapter 11 on Dec. 19, 2025.
- Johnstown, Marion, and the Linworth food truck closed before the filing.
- Clintonville, Franklinton, Westerville, and Granville remain open under a reorganization plan.
What Did Smoke Ring LLC Actually File?
Smoke Ring LLC filed a Chapter 11 restructuring case in Ohio’s Southern District bankruptcy court. The Inforuptcy filing record lists Dec. 19, 2025 as the filing date. Chapter 11 lets a business keep operating while it reorganizes its debts.
| Filing Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Debtor | Smoke Ring LLC |
| Brand | Ray Ray’s Hog Pit |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 (reorganization) |
| Filing Date | Dec. 19, 2025 |
| Court | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Ohio |
| Control | Company retains daily operations |
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Which Ray Ray’s Locations Closed?
The Ohio BBQ restaurant closure wave started before the filing. Johnstown and Marion shut down on Nov. 12, 2025. The Linworth food truck closed later that month as part of a consolidation.
| Location | Status | Closure Date |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown | Closed | Nov. 12, 2025 |
| Marion | Closed | Nov. 12, 2025 |
| Linworth (food truck) | Closed | November 2025 |
| Clintonville | Open | N/A |
| Franklinton | Open | N/A |
| Westerville | Open | N/A |
| Granville | Open | N/A |
The filing did not say whether more closures are planned. Check the official locations page before you drive to any spot.
Why Did Ray Ray’s Hog Pit Struggle?
Rising costs and weaker consumer spending pushed Ray Ray’s into court. Industry insiders are noting the same pressures across casual dining. Barbecue is especially exposed because smoked meats demand long cook times and heavy staffing.
| Pressure | Why It Hurts BBQ |
|---|---|
| Struggling consumers | Diners trade down to cheaper takeout |
| Labor costs | Pitmasters and long smoke cycles need paid hours |
| Operating market | Rent, supplies, and beef prices keep climbing |
| Footprint size | Extra units stretch thin margins |
Labor costs in the restaurant industry remain a top concern for owners. Our analysis suggests smaller regional chains feel this squeeze first, since they lack national buying power.
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Is Ray Ray’s Part of a Bigger BBQ Chain Decline?
Yes. The BBQ chain decline is real, and restaurant bankruptcy 2025 filings proved it. If you’ve been following barbecue chains, this won’t come as a surprise. Several brands entered Chapter 11 within months of each other.
| Chain | Filing Entity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Ray’s Hog Pit | Smoke Ring LLC | 4 of 7 units still open |
| Smokey Bones | Twin Hospitality | All locations closed by April 2026 |
| Sticky Fingers | Sticky Fingers Restaurants LLC | Chapter 11 filing |
| Smokin’ Dutchman | Smokin’ Dutchman Holdings | Chapter 11 filing |
| Burnt BBQ & Tacos | Burnt BBQ & Tacos | Chapter 11 filing |
Smokey Bones shows the worst-case path. Its parent filed in January 2026, then closed its final 19 locations in April.
What Happens Next for Ray Ray’s?
Reorganization is the stated goal. Smoke Ring LLC wants to survive, not liquidate. The typical Chapter 11 timeline looks like this:
- Stabilize operations at the four remaining locations.
- Negotiate with creditors over debts and leases.
- Submit a reorganization plan to the court.
- Win creditor and court approval for the plan.
- Exit bankruptcy with a leaner footprint.
| Scenario | Likelihood Signal |
|---|---|
| Successful reorganization | Four units still serving guests |
| Further closures | Filing did not rule them out |
| Sale or exit | Depends on creditor support |
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What Does This Mean for Columbus BBQ Fans?
Your favorite location may stay open, but you should plan ahead. Chapter 11 does not guarantee every unit survives.
- Confirm hours on the official website before visiting.
- Use gift cards soon, since bankruptcy can affect how they’re honored.
- Follow local news for court updates on the reorganization plan.
- Support open locations if you want the brand to recover.
The Bottom Line
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is still smoking meat, but on a smaller scale. Smoke Ring LLC cut three units, kept four, and chose Chapter 11 restructuring over shutdown. The brand’s future now depends on creditors, costs, and customer traffic.
Your next step: check the Ray Ray’s locations page before your next barbecue run.
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