Restaurant closures have continued to hit chains across the U.S. in 2026 as operators deal with higher costs and softer discretionary spending. In Washington, that trend reached Seattle when Five Guys permanently closed its Ballard restaurant on July 5 after 12 years in the neighborhood. The company did not publicly give a reason for the shutdown, but its notice directed customers to other Seattle-area stores that are still open.
Five Guys shuts a longtime Seattle restaurant
Five Guys permanently closed its Ballard location in Seattle on July 5, ending a 12-year run at the restaurant, according to a notice posted for customers at the site. The sign thanked guests for their loyalty and support and confirmed the closure was permanent. The company did not include a public explanation in the message left at the restaurant.
The Seattle closure is part of a broader list of Five Guys shutdowns reported in 2026. Reports indicate that at least 14 locations have closed or announced plans to close this year across several states. Five Guys, which is based in Virginia, still operates well over 1,000 restaurants worldwide.
Another closure was also scheduled in Overland Park, Kansas. A Five Guys inside Oak Park Mall was set to serve its final customers on July 15 after nearly 16 years, with mall officials stating another tenant was being lined up for that space.
What is confirmed in Washington so far
In Washington, the confirmed closure is the Ballard restaurant in Seattle. The customer notice specifically pointed people to nearby Five Guys locations in the Seattle area, confirming that the brand still has other restaurants operating locally. No broader Washington shutdown plan has been publicly announced by the company…