A nationwide restaurant chain billed as “The Original Gastrobar” has filed for bankruptcy for a second time and has closed more than a dozen locations.
Addison, Texas-based Bar Louie filed for Chapter 11 on March 26, citing “various financial and operational challenges,” according to court documents obtained by USA Today.
The chain, which serves upscale pub fare such as burgers, fish & chips, pasta and sandwiches, has 31 owned and operated locations in the U.S. and 17 franchised locations.
Court documents show at least 13 Bar Louie locations have already been closed, including restaurants in Cleveland, Nashville, Detroit, East Brunswick, New Jersey, Colorado, Missouri, Michigan and Ohio.
“This (bankruptcy) process is not expected to impact the company's day-to-day operations,” the company said in a news release. “Prior to the filing, Bar Louie closed underperforming locations to enhance its financial stability.”
Bar Louie was founded in Chicago in 1991. It previously filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and was purchased by BLH TopCo.
"Inflationary pressures have caused consumers, generally, to cut back on dining out. At the same time, menu prices have risen to keep pace with increased food, utility and labor costs," Chief Administrative Officer Leslie Crook noted in the latest Chapter 11 filing. "As a result, many of (Bar Louie's) restaurants have underperformed, causing a drag on (Bar Louie's) financial performance and management attention."
No California locations appear to be impacted by the recent closures. KTLA has reached out to a company spokesperson for comment.