July 29, 2025 – Trolley Wing Co., a beloved Utah-based sports bar and restaurant chain known for its wings and craft beer, has permanently closed all its locations after nearly three decades in business.
The announcement, made on July 29, 2025, marks the end of an era for the chain, which had become a staple in Utah’s dining scene.
Unlike many recent restaurant closures, Trolley Wing Co. has not filed for bankruptcy, leaving the reasons for its closure somewhat ambiguous.
Founded in the mid-1990s, Trolley Wing Co. began as a unique dining experience housed in a historic streetcar in Salt Lake City.
The chain gained popularity for its casual atmosphere, flavorful wings, and selection of local craft beers, appealing to sports fans and food enthusiasts alike.
In 2010, the original streetcar location was evicted to make way for a large-scale development project that included a Whole Foods grocery store.
The chain adapted by moving to a larger brick-and-mortar location and later expanded to a second site in Midvale, Utah, in 2018.
Despite its resilience, Trolley Wing Co. faced challenges common to the restaurant industry, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
The broader beer and brewpub sector has seen significant struggles, with the Brewers Association reporting that 339 craft breweries closed in 2024, while only 335 opened, signaling a net decline in the industry.
This trend has hit regions like Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, and the West Coast particularly hard, though Utah’s unique market dynamics added additional complexity.
Utah’s Strict Liquor Laws and Market Challenges
Utah’s dining landscape is shaped by its stringent liquor laws, which distinguish between bars and restaurants.
Restaurants in Utah, like Trolley Wing Co., are required to operate under a restaurant license, meaning alcohol sales, including beer, must be accompanied by food orders.
This restriction, combined with the state’s cultural context—over 60% of Utah residents identify as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which prohibits or limits alcohol consumption—likely impacted the chain’s ability to thrive in a competitive market.
The restaurant industry as a whole has faced mounting pressures, including rising labor and food costs, inflation, and shifting consumer preferences.
According to the National Restaurant Association, wholesale food prices rose 7% annually in December 2024, squeezing profit margins for many establishments.
Additionally, consumer behavior has shifted, with 55% of diners planning to cut back on dining out in the coming months, as reported by PwC’s 2024 Holiday Outlook.
These factors have contributed to a wave of closures, particularly among casual dining chains and brewpubs.
Trolley Wing Co. did not specify a reason for its closure, and no public statement has been released beyond the announcement of the shutdown.
Unlike other restaurant chains like Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, or On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 and 2025 to restructure or sell assets, Trolley Wing Co. has not pursued bankruptcy proceedings.
This decision suggests the closure may stem from strategic or operational choices rather than insurmountable debt, though the lack of transparency leaves room for speculation.
The chain’s closure aligns with broader industry trends.
Brewpubs, despite their popularity, face a long-term failure rate of just over 48%, compared to over 60% for restaurants overall within three years.
The craft beer boom, which fueled growth for over a decade, has slowed, with consumers increasingly opting for cheaper national brands or reducing alcohol consumption altogether.
The closure of Trolley Wing Co.’s Salt Lake City and Midvale locations has left fans and employees grappling with the loss of a local institution.
Social media posts from patrons express disappointment, with many reminiscing about the chain’s wings and vibrant atmosphere.
The company has not indicated plans to relocate, rebrand, or reopen under new ownership, leaving its future uncertain.
As the restaurant industry navigates ongoing economic challenges, Trolley Wing Co.’s closure serves as a reminder of the fragility of even well-established brands.
While the chain’s legacy endures in the memories of its loyal customers, its absence will be felt in Utah’s dining scene.
Also Read: U.S. Economy Now Faces Slowdown but Poised for Surprising Growth
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