MARYLAND - As Maryland residents shake off the final chill of winter, the local dining scene is seeing some significant turnover. Rising commercial rents in the DMV area, shifting commuter patterns, and a push toward digital-first service have led several major national chains to scale back their presence in the Old Line State this March.
While many of these brands are simply "optimizing" their footprints, it means several long-standing neighborhood spots will be turning off their neon signs for good. Here is the breakdown of major restaurant chains closing doors in Maryland this March 2026.
1. Pizza Hut: The "Hut Forward" Transition
The most widespread closures this month come from Pizza Hut. Following an early-year announcement from parent company Yum! Brands, the chain is shuttering approximately 250 underperforming locations nationwide.
- The Strategy: The company is moving away from the large, traditional "red roof" dine-in buildings to focus on smaller, delivery-and-carryout-only units.
- Maryland Impact: Keep an eye on older dine-in locations in suburban areas like Towson, Glen Burnie, and parts of Prince George’s County. As leases expire this March, many of these "legacy" buildings are not being renewed in favor of modern kiosks.
2. Wendy’s: Modernizing the Drive-Thru
Even with deep roots in the region, Wendy’s is continuing its plan to close several hundred "outdated" locations throughout 2026.
- The Reason: The chain is prioritizing its "Global Next Gen" design, which features dedicated delivery pickup windows and more efficient kitchen tech.
- What to Watch: Locations that haven't been renovated in the last decade are the most at risk. In Maryland, this primarily affects older units in high-traffic corridors where the physical footprint can no longer support the high volume of mobile app and third-party delivery orders.
3. Bahama Breeze: A Permanent Sunset
In a surprising move, Darden Restaurants announced that it is either closing or converting all remaining Bahama Breeze locations.
- The Timeline: While some locations are being converted into other Darden brands (like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse), approximately 14 locations are slated for permanent closure by April, with several shuttering their doors this March.
- The Maryland Connection: With the brand’s footprint shrinking across the Mid-Atlantic, Maryland fans of the Caribbean-themed chain should check their local status before heading out for a sunset cocktail.
4. Noodles & Company: Trimming the Menu
The fast-casual pasta chain Noodles & Company has confirmed it will close between 30 and 35 locations in 2026.
- The Factor: Despite a massive menu overhaul designed to bring back lapsed customers, the chain has struggled with high labor costs in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
- Local Focus: The closures are targeting "company-owned" stores that have seen a decline in lunchtime foot traffic—specifically those in office-heavy areas where remote work has permanently altered the customer base.
5. Denny’s: Closing the 24/7 Chapter
After a sale to private equity firms in late 2025, Denny’s is moving forward with closing approximately 150 underperforming diners through the end of 2026.
- The Change: The new ownership is targeting restaurants that can no longer sustain 24-hour operations or those that are "too old to remodel."
- Maryland Impact: Several older Maryland diners along major highways are reportedly on the list for closure this month as the brand attempts to pivot toward a more modern "diner of the future" concept.
Why Maryland is Seeing This Shift
The Maryland market is unique due to its high density and proximity to D.C. Experts note three major factors driving these March closures:
- The "Commuter Gap": With many Marylanders still working hybrid schedules, the "lunch rush" that once sustained suburban chains hasn't fully returned.
- Commercial Real Estate Spikes: Maryland's commercial tax rates and rising rents have made large, underperforming dine-in spaces a liability for corporate balance sheets.
- Delivery Dominance: Consumers in the MD/DC area are among the highest users of delivery apps, making large seating areas unnecessary for many fast-food brands.
Note for Diners: If you have gift cards or rewards points for these brands, now is the time to use them. While the parent companies aren't going away, your local neighborhood branch might be.
