Hickory Tavern Trims Footprint Amid Brand Revitalization

Hickory Tavern, a popular sports bar and restaurant chain across the Carolinas, is undergoing a reorganization as parent company Artistry Restaurants focuses resources on its most promising locations. Four Hickory Tavern restaurants in North and South Carolina have been closed, including locations in Mooresville, Huntersville, Providence Road, and Columbia-Vista.

Artistry believes these closures will allow the company to allocate more investment and operational support to the remaining 16 restaurants, strengthening Hickory Tavern's position in its communities and enhancing the guest experience. The decision to close the restaurants was not taken lightly, but Artistry CEO Bryan Lockwood emphasized the importance of regularly evaluating where they can operate most efficiently.

Customers of the closed restaurants will have alternatives within the existing Hickory Tavern footprint, with nearby locations in Harris, Ballantyne, Sun Valley, North Carolina, and Columbia-Woodhill, South Carolina. Artistry's acquisition of Hickory Tavern in 2025 has seen the implementation of a menu refresh, restaurant redesigns, a new brand book, and partnerships with companies like Sysco, all aimed at improving the overall guest experience.

Brand President Tony Read, with over three decades of experience at Outback Steakhouse, believes that Hickory Tavern's strong presence in North and South Carolina is one of its biggest strengths. He views the chain as a neighborhood gathering spot, emphasizing the importance of the employee experience in delivering a satisfying guest experience.

Artistry plans to support the affected employees by identifying potential transfers to other Hickory Tavern restaurants.