More than two dozen Frisch’s Big Boy locations have been threatened with eviction, raising fears for the beloved burger chain.
The fast-casual burger chain is behind rent of about $4.5 million at at least 20 of its 80 locations. the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
The franchise, beloved for its Big Boy Burgers and sizable breakfasts, has asked an Ohio court to delay eviction proceedings so the company has time to negotiate with the landlord.
The franchise says a delay would also allow them to set a schedule for restaurant closures if an agreement cannot be reached, arguing it would be fairer to workers who would lose their jobs.
The eviction threats have raised concerns that the entire brand will go under after a series of abrupt closures in Ohio and Kentucky in the spring.
Dozens of Frisch’s Big Boy locations are threatened with closure
Such fears were further fueled by the brand’s own statement, which said select locations may have to close due to “unforeseen circumstances and various other factors.”
The company did not provide further details on what these undisclosed factors might entail.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances and various other factors, Frisch’s Big Boy Restaurants will close select locations,” the statement said.
“We look forward to serving our loyal and beloved Frisch customers at other locations and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
If the locations under threat were to close, the brand’s footprint would be reduced by about a quarter.
Most of the locations are in Ohio, with three in Indiana and 16 in Kentucky.
It comes after the chain closed five underperforming locations earlier this year, saying it was necessary for the health of the business as a whole.
The chain was acquired by an Atlanta-based investment firm in 2015 for $175 million.
Four months later, a Florida-based company paid $47 million for 74 of the company’s 121 stores in a sale-leaseback agreement.
The company, which acts as landlord of the franchise, is now trying to force it out of some locations.
Big Boy is the latest family-owned restaurant chain to face closures during a brutal year for legacy restaurant chains.
Earlier this year, Red Lobster closed more than 100 locations and entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy before being bought out.
Denny’s recently announced the closure of 150 of its locations after five quarters of sales declines.
Applebee’s also closed 35 locations this year, citing consumer caution and economic conditions.
The American grill chain, famous for its $10 burgers and ‘dollaritas’, closed 46 of its more than 1,500 locations last year due to ‘underperformance’.