The Roosters Bar & Grill Phenomenon: Closures, Expansions, And The 5 Must-Try Dishes In 2025
The name "Roosters Bar & Grill" represents a surprisingly diverse and dynamic landscape in the American casual dining scene, a phenomenon marked by significant openings and notable closures in late 2024 and early 2025. Unlike a single, monolithic chain, 'Roosters' is a collective brand name used by multiple, often locally-owned, establishments—from high-end, chef-driven wood-fired kitchens to classic, community-focused sports bars and expansive wing franchises.
As of late December 2025, the brand is in a state of flux, with the excitement of new market entries—like the highly anticipated expansion into Springfield Township, Toledo, Ohio—set against the backdrop of farewells, such as the closure of iconic locations in Myrtle Beach and Oxford. This article dives deep into the current status of the most prominent "Roosters" locations, detailing their unique culinary offerings and what makes each one a distinct entity.
The Roosters Brand Biography: Closures and Expansions in 2024/2025
The "Roosters" brand is less a single company and more a family of distinct concepts, each with its own history and culinary focus. The most widely recognized chain is Roosters Wings, founded by Bob and Corrine Frick in 1988, which has grown into a multi-state franchise focusing on wings, subs, and casual fare.
However, other establishments bearing the name, such as the Knoxville, TN, sports bar and the North Carolina-based Wood-fired Kitchen, operate independently, contributing to the brand's broad topical authority across various dining categories.
Notable Closures and Changes (2024)
The past year saw several long-standing "Roosters" locations close their doors, underscoring the constant evolution of the restaurant industry:
- Rooster's Restaurant & Bar, Myrtle Beach, SC: Located at Broadway at the Beach, this popular spot permanently closed in February 2024.
- Rooster's Blueshouse, Oxford, MS: A local favorite, this venue said a final farewell in December 2024, marking the end of an era for the Oxford nightlife scene.
Major Expansions and Openings (2024-2025)
The brand's vitality is best demonstrated by its recent growth in other key markets:
- Springfield Township, Toledo, OH (Projected 2025): A new "Roosters" location (part of the Roosters Wings franchise) is set to open in the former Fire Station Bar and Grill location in Springfield Township. This expansion marks the second Toledo-area restaurant for the chain and is a massive vote of confidence in the regional market, with an anticipated opening in Fall 2025.
- Rooster's Wood-fired Kitchen, NC (November 2024): The high-end, chef-driven concept, Rooster's Wood-fired Kitchen, opened its fourth North Carolina restaurant in November 2024. This location continues the brand's focus on elevated Southern cuisine and a dedicated wine bar experience.
A Culinary Deep Dive: The Three Faces of Roosters
The best way to understand the "Roosters" phenomenon is to look at the distinct culinary identities of its most famous locations. While the name is the same, the menus and atmospheres are vastly different, appealing to diverse customer intentions—from watching a game to enjoying a fine dining experience.
1. The Classic Sports Bar: Roosters Bar & Grill, Knoxville, TN
The Knoxville, TN, location is the quintessential sports bar and grill. It is locally-owned and has become a landmark for fans seeking a lively atmosphere. The venue boasts over 60 high-definition TVs and three full-service bars, making it a prime destination for major sporting events.
Signature Knoxville Menu Entities:
- Award-Winning Brick Oven Pizza: A major draw, the pizza is cooked in a traditional brick oven, offering a crisp crust and fresh, high-quality toppings.
- Smoked Wings: Unlike the standard fried wings of the franchise, the Knoxville location is celebrated for its smoked wings, a key entity that provides a unique, deep flavor profile.
- The Rocky Hill Burger: A popular choice from the extensive burger and sandwich selection, perfect for a game-day meal.
2. The Comfort Food Hub: Roosters Bar N Grill, Bloomingdale, IL
The Bloomingdale, IL, location, often referred to as Rooster’s Barn & Grill, specializes in hearty, family-friendly comfort dining. The focus here is on creative twists on classic American bar food, making it a go-to spot in the Chicagoland area for a satisfying meal.
Must-Try Bloomingdale Specialties:
- Pot Roast Nachos: A highly-rated appetizer featuring slow-cooked pot roast served over a bed of crispy nachos.
- Corned Beef Egg Rolls: An unexpected but popular fusion appetizer that showcases the kitchen's creative approach to bar snacks.
- The Best Fried Chicken: The Bloomingdale location is locally famous for its fried chicken, a traditional comfort food staple.
3. The Elevated Dining Experience: Roosters Wood-fired Kitchen (NC)
Rooster's Wood-fired Kitchen, with its multiple locations across North Carolina (Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Ballantyne, and the new 2024 opening), represents the upscale, chef-driven side of the "Roosters" brand. It distinguishes itself by utilizing wood-fired cooking techniques and focusing on elevated Southern cuisine.
The restaurant works directly with local growers to cultivate specialty crops and heirloom varieties, ensuring a fresh and seasonal menu.
Key Culinary Entities and LSI Keywords:
- Wood-Fired Meats and Vegetables: The core of the menu, featuring dishes cooked over an open wood fire for a smoky, rich flavor.
- Pimento Cheese & Charcuterie: Elevated appetizers like house-made Pimento Cheese and expertly curated Cheese and Charcuterie boards.
- Specialty Pizzas: The wood-fired oven produces gourmet pizzas, including the popular Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Pizza and a Mushroom, Campo de Montalban Pizza.
- Wine Bar: The Charlotte and new locations feature a dedicated downstairs wine bar, highlighting the fine dining atmosphere.
The Future of Roosters: Why the Brand Endures
The "Roosters Bar & Grill" name continues to thrive not as a single, uniform entity, but as a collection of successful, hyper-local businesses that have mastered their specific niche. The 2024/2025 news cycle—marked by the strategic expansion of the Roosters Wings chain into new markets like Toledo and the simultaneous growth of the high-end Wood-fired Kitchen—demonstrates the brand's resilience and adaptability.
Whether you're looking for award-winning Brick Oven Pizza and Smoked Wings in Knoxville, a creative comfort food fix with Pot Roast Nachos in Bloomingdale, or an elevated, chef-driven meal at a Wood-fired Kitchen, the "Roosters" name remains a reliable marker for quality, locally-focused dining. The constant evolution, with both closures and new openings, ensures that the brand stays fresh and relevant for diners across the country.
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