RESTAURANT CHAINS: THE CASUALTY LIST. The pandemic and resulting economic shutdown damaged about 110,000 restaurants in the U.S., estimated by the National Restaurant Association. Among the popular chains that sank into bankruptcy:
- Bar Louie. “The Original Gastrobar” serving upscale food and drinks;
- Bamboo Sushi. West Coast chain where the sushi was sustainable but not the business;
- Bravo Italian Kitchen. 27 sites in 14 states;
- Brio Italian Grille. Serving 15 states across the country;
- California Pizza Kitchen. Serving California-style pies at 250 eateries in 11 countries;
- Chuck E. Cheese. Pizza, arcade games, and animatronics nationwide;
- Cosi. A Boston-based chain known for its flatbreads and named after its founder’s favorite opera;
- Fig & Olive. Celebrates olive oil and Mediterranean cuisine in the eastern U.S.;
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh. Falafel, hummus, and Greek casual at locations around the U.S.;
- Grand Rapids Brewing Co. An alliance of six Michigan microbreweries that opened a restaurant;
- Hopcat. Beer and upscale bar food at 17 locations across eight states;
- Il Mulino. “The Mill,” an Italian steakhouse and grocery in Quebec, Florida, and the U.S. Northeast;
- Krystal. The Southern burger chain known for sliders;
- Le Pain Quotidien. Soups, sandwiches, and bakery goodies at 50 sites in California, Florida, and the U.S. Northeast;
- Maison Kayser. French bakery chain started in Paris and spread to 16 storefronts in New York City;
- Quickfish. Serving Asian fusion food in the Pacific Northwest;
- Ruby Tuesday. Upscale casual fare at more than 200 eateries across the U.S.;
- Village Inn. Renowned for its pies.