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Bravo Brio Restaurants LLC and subsidiaries have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company said Monday.
The Orlando, Fla.-based parent to the casual-dining Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille restaurants said in a statement that it concluded that filing was necessary to improve its financial position as it brings on new investors. The company and affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the court for the Middle District of Florida.
The company said the Chapter 11 process will allow it to reorganize its business for “a sustainable and successful future, including closing underperforming locations, restructuring debt, and streamlining and reducing operational expenses.”
Bravo Brio cited economic forces beyond its control, as well as increased competition, principally from fast-casual restaurants.
“In addition, ongoing inflationary pressure, rising food and labor costs, and a softening in discretionary consumer spending have contributed to underperformance, especially in shopping centers with high vacancies and declining foot traffic,” the company said in a statement. “These pressures have proved insurmountable to numerous other legacy, casual-dining restaurant brands, many of whom have also turned to bankruptcy as a tool for restructuring.”
Digital agency Technomic said Bravo had 25 U.S. units at the end of 2024 and Brio had 31 units.
Earl Enterprises bought Bravo and Brio Italian Grille from FoodFirst Global Holdings in June 2020 during an earlier bankruptcy deal. Earl Enterprises also owns Buca di Beppo, Earl of Sandwich, and Planet Hollywood.
Earl Enterprises named Craig Miller as CEO of the two brands in March 2025.
Contact Ron Ruggless at Ronald.Ruggless@Informa.com
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