More than 20 Frisch’s Big Boy locations have been threatened with evictions, raising fears for the beloved burger chain.
The fast-casual burger chain is about $4.5 million behind on rent for at least 20 of its 80 locations. reported the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The franchise, beloved for its Big Boy Burgers and hearty breakfasts, has asked an Ohio court to delay the eviction process to give it time to negotiate with the landlord.
The franchise argues that a delay would also allow them to set a timetable for closing the restaurants if an agreement cannot be reached, arguing that this would be fairer to employees who would lose their jobs.
Eviction threats have raised concerns that the entire brand could go under after a round of abrupt closures in Ohio and Kentucky in the spring.
Dozens of Frisch’s Big Boy stores are under threat of closure
These fears were further stoked by the brand’s own statement, which said some select locations may have to close due to “unforeseen circumstances and various other factors.”
The company did not elaborate on what those undisclosed factors might entail.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances and various other factors, Frisch’s Big Boy Restaurants will be closing some locations,” the statement read.
“We look forward to serving our loyal and beloved Frisch’s customers at other locations and apologize for any inconvenience.”
If the threatened locations are closed, the brand’s footprint would be reduced by about a quarter.
Most of the locations are in Ohio, three in Indiana and 16 in Kentucky.
This comes after the chain closed five underperforming locations earlier this year, claiming it was necessary for the overall health of the company.
The chain was acquired by an Atlanta-based investment firm for $175 million in 2015.
Four months later, a Florida-based company paid $47 million for 74 of the company’s 121 stores in a sale-and-leaseback deal.
The company, which acts as the owner of the franchise, is now trying to evict it from some of the locations.
Big Boy is the latest family restaurant chain to face closures during a brutal year for traditional restaurant chains.
Earlier this year, Red Lobster closed more than 100 locations and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy before being purchased.
Denny’s recently announced it was closing 150 of its locations after five quarters of declining sales.
Applebee’s also closed 35 locations this year, blaming consumer caution and economic conditions.
The American barbecue chain, famous for its $10 burgers and ‘dollaritas’, closed 46 of its more than 1,500 locations due to ‘poor performance’ last year.