Long John Silver’s has quietly closed over 50 locations across the United States, according to a report from Fast Company.
The shuttered stores span at least 12 states. The Midwest and Southeast regions are hit hardest.
Ohio lost 8 locations. Texas closed 7. Florida and California each saw 5 closures.
Frustrated customers took to social media. They cite sudden shutdowns and a lack of official communication from the parent company, LJS Partners.
“We drove 20 miles. Just gone,” one user posted on X. The post has 12,000 likes.
Why Long John Silver’s Is Closing Stores
The closures follow a decade of declining sales. Revenue dropped 4.2% year-over-year in 2024, per industry data.
Consumer habits shifted toward healthier options. The rise of fast-casual seafood chains like CAVA and Sweetgreen eroded the brand’s core market.
Competition intensified. McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish and Popeyes’ fish sandwich now dominate the value seafood segment.
Rising labor and commodity costs squeezed margins. Franchisee disputes over royalties and store upgrades remain unresolved.
Complete List of Long John Silver’s Locations That Have Shuttered
| State | Closed Locations (Notable Markets) |
|---|---|
| Ohio | Columbus (2), Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton |
| Texas | Houston (2), Dallas, San Antonio, Austin |
| Florida | Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Fort Myers |
| California | Los Angeles (2), San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno |
| Indiana | Indianapolis (2), Fort Wayne |
| Illinois | Chicago (2), Peoria |
| Kentucky | Louisville, Lexington |
| Tennessee | Nashville, Memphis |
| Michigan | Detroit (2) |
| Missouri | St. Louis, Kansas City |
| Georgia | Atlanta (2) |
| Virginia | Richmond, Norfolk |
To verify if a local store remains open, use the official store locator at longjohnsilvers.com. Third-party maps like Google Maps may lag in updates.
Is Long John Silver’s Sinking for Good?
Experts draw parallels to Red Lobster and Boston Market. Both chains filed for bankruptcy protection within the past 24 months.
Turnaround strategies remain unclear. Menu innovation has stalled. The chain has not launched a major new product since 2021.
Delivery partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats exist but generate only 8% of total sales, according to a franchisee survey.
Franchisee sentiment is mixed. Some operators see potential in a rebrand. Others predict bankruptcy or a sale within 18 months.
Nostalgia remains a factor. The chain’s “Fish & More” combo remains a top seller. But loyalty alone cannot offset operational losses.
What to Do If Your Local Long John Silver’s Closed
Alternatives exist. Captain D’s operates 530 locations. Popeyes offers a fried fish sandwich for $5.99.
Home cooks can replicate the batter. The recipe: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, and seasonings.
Community petitions on Change.org have surfaced. One petition to save a Columbus, Ohio location has 1,200 signatures.
Long John Silver’s faces an uncertain future. The chain has a loyal fan base and a chance to reinvent itself. But core operational and menu issues remain unaddressed.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many Long John Silver’s locations have closed?
- A: Over 50 locations have closed across at least 12 states, with Ohio losing 8, Texas 7, and Florida and California each losing 5.
- Q: Why is Long John Silver’s closing stores?
- A: The closures are due to a decade of declining sales, shifting consumer tastes toward healthier fast-casual seafood, increased competition from McDonald’s and Popeyes’ fish sandwiches, and rising labor and commodity costs.
- Q: Which states are most affected by Long John Silver’s closures?
- A: The Midwest and Southeast regions are hardest hit, notably Ohio, Texas, Florida, California, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Extended Reading
Fast Company’s full report (May 2025) documents the 50+ closures and cites internal documents revealing a 12% decline in franchisee profitability since 2022. The data underscores the structural challenges facing the brand.