Despite closures, Long John Silver's claws its way back
Despite some setbacks, Long John Silver's could be swimming in the right direction.
The seafood chain's portfolio fell from over 1,000 units in 2015 to fewer than 500 currently, as reported by data firm Datassential and news outlet SeafoodSource.
Among more recent closures was a location at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, owned by franchisee Uplifted Foods LLC. The franchisee filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota in May, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY.
Back in 1998, Long John Silver's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware, noting that it has $457.3 million in liabilities and assets of $329.1 million, per the Tampa Bay Times and online court records.
When USA TODAY asked Long John Silver's about recent reports of a drop in restaurants, Chief Marketing Officer Laura Ellis said the changes came after a new company bought Long John Silver's in 2022. Four Oaks Partners purchased Long John Silver's from LJS Partners in November that year, reported the Franchise Times.
Ellis, of Long John Silver's, added that the company's sales are improving. The company currently has 477 locations. Of those locations, 214 are company-operated and 262 are franchised, she said.
Here's what we know about changes at Long John Silver's, and how the company is faring financially.
Why has Long John Silver's closed some of its restaurants?
After the change of ownership in 2022, the company "strategically optimized its restaurant portfolio," said Ellis from Long John Silver's in a Friday, June 26 statement to USA TODAY.
As the company reorganized, roughly 110 locations were closed, she said. Of these 110 closures, 70 to 75 were due to the brand ending partnerships and closing joint locations shared with Taco Bell, KFC, and A&W.
"An additional number were temporary closures for remodeling or other operational reasons," Ellis said. "Approximately 24 standalone Long John Silver's restaurants closed as part of routine portfolio optimization, including lease expirations, relocations and changing trade areas."
Ellis said the company has remodeled more than 115 restaurants and new restaurant openings are to come, including 25 locations in development across the country.
The company declined to say when the 25 restaurants will open but said more details will be available as the opening dates near.
Despite closures, chain builds 'positive momentum'
When asked if there will be more closures, Ellis said Long John Silver's is evaluating its restaurant portfolio. The company's focus as of June 2026 is to modernize existing restaurants, support franchisees, and expand by opening more restaurants.
Reports of the company closing locations annually over the past 10 years is "only one part of the picture," Ellis said.
Ellis said Long John Silver's has seen 16 consecutive quarters of sales growth among stores open for at least a year. Internal systemwide sales also increased from $400 million in 2022 to nearly $430 million in 2025.
"The business has continued to build positive momentum under its current ownership," Ellis said.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Despite closures, Long John Silver's claws its way back
Reporting by Saleen Martin, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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