The closure announcements just keep coming. With around a dozen closures announced in the past few weeks (more than the small team at Sauce can keep up with, unfortunately), a popular St. Louis-based burger chain is announcing not one but three closures as it heads into 2026 with a renewed focus on operations and long-term growth.
Hi-Pointe Drive-In announced in a press release it will shutter its Edwardsville and O’Fallon, Illinois, restaurants along with its Ballwin, Missouri, location, effective immediately. The decision, according to company leadership, allows Hi-Pointe to slow its expansion and concentrate on strengthening its remaining restaurants.
“This one hurts,” said President Hillman. “We tried hard to make these locations work, and at the end of the day, they didn’t get where we needed them to be. I have to own that and make the call that’s right for the long-term health of the business and our people.”
Hillman emphasized the closures were not made lightly, noting the impact on both employees and the communities the restaurants served. “These aren’t just restaurants. We’re talking about real people and real communities,” he said. “This decision lets us slow down, tighten things up, and focus on delivering the Hi-Pointe experience the right way.”
In keeping with the company’s people-first approach, all affected team members were offered opportunities to transfer to other Hi-Pointe locations. “Our teams are the heartbeat of this brand,” Hillman said. “We’re incredibly grateful for their passion, their hustle, and the care they bring to guests every single day.”
Following the closures, Hi-Pointe Drive-In will operate six locations and continue to lean into its stated mission of creating a people-first environment while serving chef-inspired sandwiches and smashburgers. The company has also strengthened its leadership team by hiring a new chief operating officer and adding an additional area operations manager.
Guests can expect updates in the months ahead, including refinements to the core menu that will introduce new items while keeping longtime favorites. Hillman said the changes signal a more focused approach for the brand moving forward.
“We’ve got a lot to do, but one thing is certain. We are committed to serving the best damn smash burgers, not just in STL, but galaxy wide,” he said. “That’s who we are, that’s what we do, and that’s where we’re going in 2026.”
All Hi-Pointe Drive-In gift cards, promotions and loyalty points will remain valid and can be redeemed at the brand’s remaining locations.