As eating payments maintain climbing, households are trimming restaurant visits and quick‑informal chains are feeling the pinch. Crimson Robin, well-known for its bottomless fries and fizzy floats, isn’t immune—plan for 15 places to fade subsequent yr. The chain is leaning on a mixture of value‑slicing and menu magic to remain on the map. Let’s stroll by way of the historical past, the numbers, and what you’ll actually miss when the doorways shut.
Humble 1926 Beginnings
Lengthy earlier than countless fries, the unique Crimson Robin spot debuted as a Seattle lease advert for $30 a month. It modified palms and names till Samuel Caston took the reins in 1969. Legend says he serenaded workers with “When the Crimson, Crimson Robin” whereas cooking up burgers. That tune caught, and so did the identify.
Quick‑Informal Faces the Squeeze
With grocery and fuel costs climbing, American households have slashed informal eating from their budgets. Even reasonably priced burger joints aren’t immune as shoppers choose and select their splurges. Site visitors at many quick‑informal spots has dipped, forcing manufacturers to rethink their playbooks. Crimson Robin is now on the entrance traces of this squeeze.
2024’s Painful Worth Tag
Crimson Robin closed its books on a $77.5 million web loss for 2024—greater than triple the earlier yr’s $21.2 million deficit. In This autumn alone, losses soared to $39.7 million versus $13.7 million in the identical quarter of 2023. These purple‑ink figures triggered a tough take a look at underperforming eating places. The objective: slash debt and shore up the stability sheet.
Shiny Spots Amid Turmoil
It’s not all gloom—similar‑retailer gross sales truly climbed 3.4% in late 2024, and visitor site visitors confirmed sequential enchancment. Over 300 websites are hitting targets underneath a brand new transformation playbook. These profitable places might dodge the chopping block. The chain is banking on this momentum to propel a comeback.
2025 Closure Countdown
Subsequent yr, Crimson Robin expects to shutter 15 websites, with three slated to shut in Q1. The trio of firm‑owned spots will dump and funnel roughly $5.8 million again into debt discount. Remaining closures will seemingly hit leases and franchise agreements. Clients in these neighborhoods will want a brand new burger repair.
Already Saying Goodbye
The Easton, Ohio restaurant at 3977 Morse Crossing locked its doorways on March 16, 2025. That adopted one other location’s exit in This autumn of final yr. Patrons in these areas instantly discovered fewer choices for countless fries. Every closure is a reminder that no chain is just too cozy to keep away from belt‑tightening.
Scope of the Chain
At present, just below 500 Crimson Robin eating places span 39 U.S. states and one Canadian province. California leads the pack, with Washington and Colorado shut behind. Areas cluster in suburban procuring facilities and mall meals courts. For a lot of communities, dropping one means dropping an area gathering spot.
What You’ll Actually Miss
Crimson Robin’s bottomless sides are its signature draw—from steak fries and garlic fries to kale salad and kettle chips. Don’t neglect the countless fountain drinks and specialty sips like Freckled Lemonade or root beer floats. Followers rave about swapping flavors mid‑meal with out additional prices. When these doorways shut, so does the liberty to maintain refilling.
