A beloved restaurant chain specializing in biscuits, Biscuit Bar, has announced the closure of all its locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Effective immediately, the chain’s six locations, including five in the Dallas area and one in Abilene, will cease operations. The owners, Jake and Janie Burkett, revealed the news through a series of Facebook posts detailing the challenges that led to this difficult decision.
The closures affect the following locations:
– Deep Ellum
– The Boardwalk in Plano
– Arlington
– Fort Worth Stockyards
– Coppell
– Abilene
The Burketts cited multiple factors contributing to the shutdown. They pointed to “rising costs, supply chain instability, and a commercial environment increasingly shaped by large institutional interests,” which created pressures that were overwhelming for the small business.
Founded in 2018 with an initial location in Plano, Biscuit Bar expanded rapidly in 2019, launching five new locations simultaneously. This ambitious strategy targeted a niche market focused entirely on one food group: biscuits. The restaurants offered breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, featuring a menu that included both savory and sweet biscuit sandwiches made in-house, customizable tater tots, and a bar serving cocktails, local beers, cold brew coffee, and kombucha on tap.
In early 2025, Biscuit Bar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which the Burketts described as a step not meant to abandon their employees but rather to “rebuild and secure a future for our employees.” The couple expressed optimism when a respected restaurant group showed interest in acquiring and growing Biscuit Bar.
According to their posts, a sale agreement was reached, with terms set and a closing date planned for December. Unfortunately, not all stakeholders supported the plan. The Burketts noted that “while many partners supported a workable plan, several key financial stakeholders did not,” including landlords whose cooperation was crucial. Their refusal to compromise ultimately derailed the sale, leaving the Burketts unable to continue operations.
Faced with this painful reality, the Burketts made the heart-wrenching decision to close their doors just days before Christmas. They assured their employees that “every earned wage will be paid,” but acknowledged the financial hardships this closure would impose, especially close to the holidays. To assist employees during this challenging time, they have set up a GoFundMe page, urging loyal customers and fans to contribute.
The closure of Biscuit Bar highlights the ongoing struggles faced by many small businesses in a changing economic landscape. As the Burketts navigate this difficult chapter, they reflect on their journey and the community that supported them since their inception.