tilted kilt

Is Tilted Kilt Still in Business? | What Happened to the Celtic Pub Chain

**Yes, **Tilted Kilt is still in business, but on a much smaller scale than before. Once a nationwide Celtic-themed pub chain with over 50 locations across the U.S. and Canada, the company has since downsized dramatically. As of 2025, only a handful of Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery locations remain open, with the brand now owned by ARC Group Inc.


The Rise of the Tilted Kilt

Tilted Kilt began in Las Vegas in 2003, envisioned as a Celtic sports pub that mixed casual dining with a lively, themed atmosphere. Its waitstaff wore stylized tartan uniforms, its walls carried Irish and Scottish motifs, and the menu blended American pub fare with Celtic flair.

By 2010, the brand had expanded rapidly through franchising—boasting dozens of pubs across the U.S. and even a few international ventures. For a while, it was considered the “Scottish Hooters,” attracting sports fans and casual diners alike.


What Went Wrong?

Expansion brought attention, but not all of it good. Many franchises struggled with inconsistent management, rising costs, and shifting consumer tastes. By 2018, the parent company sold Tilted Kilt to ARC Group Inc., which also owns brands like Fat Patty’s and Dick’s Wings.

Even after the acquisition, multiple Tilted Kilt locations quietly closed, especially in major cities such as Cleveland, Atlanta, and Toronto. Reports indicate that some franchisees rebranded or shut down without official announcements.

Today, the brand is a shadow of its former self—reduced from over 50 pubs to roughly six to eight operating locations across the U.S.


Where You Can Still Visit

Despite the decline, Tilted Kilt is not entirely gone. The company’s official website still lists a few active pubs, mainly in select regions across the southern United States. These remaining outlets continue to serve the signature Celtic-styled hospitality, menu, and décor that once defined the chain’s heyday.

To find current locations, visit the official Tilted Kilt website.


Why It Still Matters

Even in its reduced form, Tilted Kilt remains a curious footnote in Celtic-inspired American culture. It blended Scottish symbolism, modern pub energy, and sports fandom—a mix that resonated for nearly two decades. While many pubs have closed, the brand’s identity lives on in its surviving locations and loyal fan base.


Conclusion

So, is Tilted Kilt still in business?
Yes, but barely. The Celtic sports pub once known for its tartan uniforms and lively atmosphere is still around, though only a few pubs remain active. Whether you remember it for its Highland-inspired charm or its bold marketing, Tilted Kilt stands as a reminder of how cultural themes can shape (and challenge) modern brands.

Build your Celtic knowledge:
· Scottish Pub Traditions
· The History of Celtic Taverns
· Highland Dress and Modern Culture

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