Popular Fried Chicken Eatery Closes A Dozen FL Restaurants: Reports

Florida has lost another set of restaurants to financial woes after a popular fried chicken franchise recently shuttered a dozen locations across the state.

Popeyes, which has 219 locations in Florida, has joined a group of national restaurants to file bankruptcy in an ever-changing economy. The closures are reportedly part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed by Miami franchisee Sailormen Inc.

Its latest closures are across the Southeast and includes the following 12 locations in Florida, according to recent media reports:

• 2005 Ohio Ave., North Live Oak
• 1601 S. US Hwy., Ft. Pierce
• 5156 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
• 2729 SE Hwy. 70, Arcadia
• 175 S. Hwy. 17, E. Palatka
• 649 S. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville
• 1124 N. Young Blvd., Chiefland
• 27740 US 27, Leesburg
• 200 Green Way, Keystone Heights
• 812 S. 6th St., Macclenny
• 1833 Kings Rd., Jacksonville
• 2015 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne

Sailormen Inc., which operated at least 130 Popeyes restaurants, filed for Chapter 11 in January, according to Cole Schotz, which is representing Sailormen through its bankruptcy.

The firm on Jan. 16 stated Sailormen sought to address $129 million in debt with its prime lender, BMO Bank N.A.

Sailormen filed Chapter 11 due to rising inflation and a reduction in customers, USA Today reported Monday, citing court records. Additionally, the company reportedly neglected to sell 16 of its locations in 2024, adding to more financial concern.

Sailormen has also faced multiple vendor lawsuits regarding unpaid bills, Delish reported.

In January, Sailormen revealed plans to shutter 17 restaurants in Georgia and Florida, USA Today reported.

The Delish report on Monday stated the company has since closed 20 sites total in both states.

Still, Popeyes President Peter Perdue maintained much of the chain continues to be profitable and that “Sailormen’s announcement does not reflect the healthy unit economics” of franchisees, WTOC reported.

Last quarter, same-store sales took a 4.9 percent hit at Popeyes U.S. establishments, WTOC reported.

“We know Popeyes is capable of much more, and we’re taking decisive action to put the brand back on the right path,” Josh Kobza, CEO of Popeyes parent company Restaurant Brands International, said in the WTOC report.

It is uncertain if Popeyes will close additional sites in Florida.

The Sunshine State has lost multiple other restaurants due to financial strain this year. Wendy's, Papa John's and Pizza Hut have all revealed closures.

Bahama Breeze planned to close or rebrand locations while Red Robin has said about 20 underperforming corporate-owned restaurants have been targeted for portfolio review in fiscal 2026.

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