First Denny’s, Now This: The Recent Restaurant Closures Changing the Face of Amarillo

As we approached the end of the year in Amarillo, you expect to see changes. As the new year approached, many business owners in Amarillo had to make some difficult decisions. That explains why we end up seeing a lot of places close or make the decision to close at that time of the year.

We already lost a Denny's in town, bringing us down to just one location. Even before the Denny's news, another local staple quietly closed its doors. It may be because there are other locations of this business, but it still is a closing that happened. Employees were out of a job right around Christmas.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Amarillo's Remaining 24-Hour Diners

A Tough Holiday for East Amarillo Employees

The business that closed was Chicken Express. We previously had four in Amarillo until Christmas Eve. That is when we lost the location at 3514 E. I-40 (at the corner of I-40 and Grand).

While employees were reportedly given advance notice, the holiday timing couldn't have been worse for those now looking for work. With the stress from the holidays, now there is this to have to worry about.

The Shrinking Footprint of National Chains in Amarillo

Some may have been able to transfer to one of the other three we still have standing in Amarillo, but the commute may not be as convenient as the one that had just closed. That always makes things a little tougher.

Where to Find Your Chicken Fix: The Remaining Locations

So, to end the year, we were down one Denny's and one Chicken Express. You can still get your chicken fix at one of the other three Amarillo locations:

• 7301 I--40 (I-40 and Coulter)
• 404 Tascosa Road
• 7104 Bell Street

Here's to hoping that Amarillo slows down a bit with this new year being here. We can hope.