For many Americans, Logan’s Roadhouse was more than a restaurant. It was a familiar, casual steakhouse known for big portions and relaxed nights out. That’s why the events of 2020 shocked customers and employees alike. During the early chaos of COVID-19, a brand that felt “always there” suddenly vanished.

In April 2020, Logan’s Roadhouse shut down every corporate-owned location. Its parent company, CraftWorks Holdings, closed all 261 restaurants nationwide as financial pressure mounted. Nearly 18,000 employees were laid off, and the closures signaled more than a temporary pause—they marked a deep financial collapse.

CraftWorks soon filed for bankruptcy, becoming a high-profile example of how hard the pandemic hit the restaurant industry. As dining rooms closed across the country, Logan’s Roadhouse stood out as one of the most dramatic shutdowns in the sector.

The chain found a second chance in June 2020, when SPB Hospitality, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, bought CraftWorks’ restaurant portfolio out of bankruptcy. New ownership focused on reopening locations carefully, cutting costs, renegotiating leases, and rebuilding the business while preserving what customers loved, including “hand-cut steaks” and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

Today, Logan’s Roadhouse operates about 135 locations in roughly 22 states. While not every restaurant returned, the brand’s recovery shows how even major chains can rebound after crisis with new ownership, restructuring, and loyal customer support.