Parent Company Of Danbury Mall Food Anchor Files For Bankruptcy

DANBURY, CT — FirstFood Global Restaurants, parent of BRIO Tuscan Grille, filed for bankruptcy April 11, prompted by the business downturn caused by the new coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement comes after the company closed 71 of its 92 U.S. locations in March, and furloughed 6,000 employees, with open stores using a limited carryout and delivery model. FirstFood, which also owns BRAVO Cucina Italiana, is operating with 120 hourly and salaried employees.

The company has assets between $10 million and $50 million and estimated liabilities between $10 million and $50 million.

"The pandemic is creating enormous disruption throughout the economy, and the restaurant industry as a whole is especially affected," the company said in court documents. "FoodFirst’s difficult position prior to the Pandemic makes its current situation even more precarious. In order to save jobs and the viable Restaurants it will be necessary to pursue a company sale and an accompanying Management Services agreement.”

The Florida-based FoodFirst was formed in 2018 and spent $100 million to buy and Brio Tuscan Grille and BRAVO Fresh Italian and take them both private, according to restaurant trade journal FFR. At that time, both brands operated a combined 110 locations in 32 states and had sales in excess of $400 million.

FoodFirst is asking the court for permission to reject leases at its discretion, and expects to close more eateries soon, according to FFR.