parks
Pigeon Forge restaurant closing in August, laying off more than 60 workers: WARN Notice
By Josh Jarnagin at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A popular Pigeon Forge restaurant is set to close later this year and lay off more than 60 workers.According to a WARN Notice submitted to the state, Hard Rock Cafe, located at 2050 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, will be permanently closing effective Aug. 23.A total of 61 w...
Key takeaway (WVLT) - A popular Pigeon Forge restaurant is set to close later this year and lay off more than 60 workers.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The impending closure of Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the local economy, particularly in the tourism-driven sector. With over 60 workers set to lose their jobs, the impact will be felt not only by the employees themselves but also by the surrounding businesses that rely on the foot traffic generated by the restaurant. As the East Local Workforce Development Area rapid response team steps in to coordinate services, it will be crucial to monitor how effectively these resources are utilized to support the displaced workers. The fact that these workers do not have collective bargaining representation or bumping rights may further exacerbate the challenges they face in securing new employment. As the region grapples with the aftermath of this closure, it is worth noting that Pigeon Forge's economic resilience will be put to the test, and the response to this layoff will set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A popular Pigeon Forge restaurant is set to close later this year and lay off more than 60 workers.According to a WARN Notice submitted to the state, Hard Rock Cafe, located at 2050 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, will be permanently closing effective Aug. 23.A total of 61 w...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Jarnagin at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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