Operator Of Numerous Pittsburgh-Area McDonald's Declares Bankruptcy

PITTSBURGH, PA — Rice Enterprises, one of the region's largest McDonald's franchisees and largest minority-owned businesses, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing occurred on March 15, according to United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania documents.

The bankruptcy filing raises questions about the future of the West Mifflin-based company's franchises. According to the Rice Enterprises website, the company operates McDonald's in the following locations:

• Mt. Oliver

• Scott Township

• Brentwood

• North Side

• Pleasant Hills

• Bethel Park

• West Mifflin

• South Park

Rice Enterprises made headlines in September 2021 when it was sued by the family of a 14-year-old girl. The lawsuit alleged the girl was sexually harassed and then assaulted while working at a Rice-operated McDonald's that had a registered sex offender working as a manager.

That lawsuit is ongoing.