FL-Based Burger Chain Called One Of The "Best" Fast Casual Restaurants Has Filed For Bankruptcy

Photo byMichael Rivera, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Florida has a couple of home-grown restaurants based in the Sunshine State that specialize in burgers. One is Burger King and the other is BurgerFi. Unfortunately, the latter has just filed for bankruptcy.

About BurgerFi: This company began in 2011 in Lauderdale-by-the-sea. The company's website says it uses top-quality ingredients and has a chef-driven menu. They use Angus beef and antibiotic-free chicken. Fries are fresh cut.

An Orlando BurgerFi earns 3.9 out of 5 stars on Yelp. Most were complimentary. A reviewer named Laura wrote:

"We were helped right away and our food came out quickly. Our Burgers and fries were very tasty. I got the grilled chicken sandwich and it was great, but the fries were the best they tasted homemade in a good way. The bathrooms were clean and the manager checked in to see how we were doing. Will definitely go back."

The chain has been named as one of USA Today's 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” for three years.

About The Bankruptcy: In mid-September of 2024, BurgerFi International, which operates BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with an estimated debt of between $100 million and $500 million.

In its filings, BurgerFi International indicated that the bankruptcy filing affects only 67 corporate-owned locations but does not include franchise locations. The company stressed that it hopes to continue operations in its restaurants.

BurgerFi Chief Restructuring Officer Jeremy Rosenthal has explained, in part:

“In the face of a drastic decline in post-pandemic consumer spending amidst sustained inflation and increasing food and labor costs, we need to stabilize the business in a structured process. We are confident that this process will allow us to protect and grow our brands..."

The author is not affiliated with BurgerFi or any other restaurants.