Reports: Bennigan's shuts down Chicago locations
'I'M GOING TO MISS THIS PLACE' | Employees, customers of national chain stunned after company closes restaurants, files for bankruptcy
Bennigan's restaurants throughout the nation were closed Tuesday, surprising employees and customers.
The Irish themed chain and its sister company Steak & Ale on Tuesday filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in the Eastern District of Texas.
(STNG)
The chain’s parent, Plano, Texas-based Metromedia Restaurant Group, seeks to liquidate its assets and shut down, citing $550 million in assets and about $150 million in debt.
It’s not the end for all Bennigan’s stores though. Independent franchisees will continue to operate some restaurants.
Bennigan's has about 300 Irish-theme locations, with about 80 to 100 franchisees.
In June, privately-held Metromedia Restaurant said it had no plans to file for bankruptcy.
Stores, including two on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, had notices posted on the closures Tuesday.
A sign at the Bennigan's at 145 S. Weber Road in the Country Aire Plaza in Bolingbrook read, "I regret to inform you that Benningan's is no longer part of your community," one Sun-Times reader reported." Another note on the door said:
"To all our employees: I must say this is the hardest thing we have ever had to do. It's not only a job we are losing but a family we have here is not replaceable. Thank you for all the hard work, total dedication and commitment to making this place amazing. Love, Jen, Ronda and Jonathon."
Managers of Bennigan's restaurants in Calumet City, Deerfield and North Michigan Avenue told Newsradio 780 that they were told this morning of the restaurants' closings, and one manager said the shutdown is nationwide.
Contributing: Francine Knowles, business reporter; wire reports