The iconic Danish restaurant chain Jensens Bøfhus is closing its doors for good after four decades in business. Most of its remaining locations will be taken over by its longtime rival Bones.
End of an Era for a Danish Dining Staple
Jensens Bøfhus, once a dominant player in Denmark’s casual dining scene, is officially shutting down. After nearly 40 years in operation, the well-known steakhouse chain will close its final restaurants. Founded by entrepreneur Palle Skov Jensen in 1984, the chain initially began under the name Bøf España in Aarhus before rebranding to Jensens Bøfhus.
At its peak, the chain operated 49 restaurants and generated close to 1 billion Danish kroner (around $145 million) in annual revenue. Known for offering affordable steak dinners in a relaxed and family-friendly setting, the brand built a solid customer base through its appeal to everyday Danes looking for an unpretentious night out.
A Danish Restaurant That Changed the Dining Landscape
Jensens Bøfhus set out to revolutionize how Danes dined out. In an era when restaurants were primarily tailored to business clientele, the chain introduced a model that welcomed families and casual diners. From launching the concept of a “lunch steak” to eliminating formality around wine selection, Jensens became synonymous with easy-going, value-driven dining.
Its red-and-yellow logo became a familiar sight in cities and towns across Denmark, symbolizing accessible dining for all. The company built a loyal customer base not just through its menu, but also by fostering an approachable experience at a time when the restaurant market was often seen as elitist.
Financial Losses and Brand Controversy
Despite its early success, the chain struggled in the last decade. Over the past five years, Jensens Bøfhus posted accumulated losses of approximately 200 million kroner (about $29 million), pointing to declining consumer interest and operational challenges.
The company’s problems were compounded by a damaging legal battle in 2014, when it filed a lawsuit against a small seafood restaurant in North Jutland called Jensens Fiskehus over the use of the name “Jensen.” Although Jensens Bøfhus won the case in the Danish Supreme Court, the public backlash was swift and severe. Many Danes viewed the lawsuit as heavy-handed, triggering a wave of negative publicity that tarnished the brand’s image. Online reviews plummeted and customer resentment remained for years.
Sale and Transition to Danish Restaurant Bones
By 2018, mounting pressure led founder Palle Skov Jensen to sell the company to new investors. Attempts at reviving the brand did not succeed, and now the owners have decided to cease operations entirely.
However, the story does not end with the chain’s closure. Out of the remaining 15 restaurants, 12 will be taken over by Bones, a Danish restaurant group with a similar focus on casual, family-style dining. This acquisition suggests that while Jensens Bøfhus has reached its limit, the dining concept it popularized continues to have relevance.
A Legacy of Informal Dining Lives On
Although Palle Skov Jensen is no longer involved in the company’s operations, he expressed optimism about the ongoing demand for the kind of dining experience Jensens Bøfhus pioneered. The founder believes that many Danes still appreciate restaurants where they can enjoy a reasonably priced meal without the pressure of formal etiquette.
The official closure of Jensens Bøfhus may mark the end of a beloved brand, but for many, it also serves as a reminder of how deeply entrenched casual, family-focused dining has become in Danish culture. As Bones moves in to serve many of the same communities, the spirit of what Jensens Bøfhus built will live on under a new banner.
