Restaurant Company With Pittsburgh-Area Locations Files For Bankruptcy

PITTSBURGH, PA — Restaurant franchiser FAT Brands, which operates a variety of popular fast-casual chains across the country, including the Pittsburgh area, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy because of mounting debts totaling about $1.3 billion.

The bankruptcy filing occurred on Monday.

"The Chapter 11 process will provide us with the opportunity to strengthen our capital structure to support our concepts and ensure they remain at the forefront of their sectors,” Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands, said in a statement. "Our focus in this process remains providing qualityservice to our customers and supporting our franchise partners and the over 45,000 corporate and franchise employees."

In Western Pennsylvania, FAT Brands operates a Twin Peaks restaurant in Robinson and Pennsylvania's last remaining Ponderosa in Butler. Both are expected to remain open during the bankruptcy process.

In addition to Twin Peaks and Ponderosa, FAT Brands owns the following restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli's, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Bualo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Bonanza.

Overall, the company franchises and owns more than 2,200 units worldwide.