Bravo Brio Restaurants Files for Bankruptcy Again and Prepares to Close Underperformers
ORLANDO, FL — Struggling Italian casual-dining chain Bravo Brio Restaurants — parent of Bravo Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille — has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in five years. The Orlando-based company is gearing up to close underperforming locations across the U.S. while aiming to restructure, cut costs, and attract new investment.
A Legacy Dining Brand in Crisis
Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1992, the Bravo Brio group once operated over 100 restaurants at its peak. It has weathered tough market shifts before, including a Chapter 11 filing in 2020 that ended with its acquisition by Earl Enterprises. Since then, the company has struggled to regain footing amid mounting economic pressures.
As of late 2024, the brand maintained about 25 Bravo Italian Kitchen and 31 Brio Italian Grille locations. But with the latest sales data showing a decline of 7.1% for Bravo and 5.5% for Brio, the chains are now operating under financial duress.
Why They’ve Filed Again — and Why It Matters
The filing cites an array of challenges: declining foot traffic in shopping centers, softening consumer spending, inflation, and labor and food cost pressures. Also mentioned is stiff competition from fast-casual concepts that continue to siphon away customers.
With estimated assets and liabilities ranging from $50–100 million, Bravo Brio listed Sysco as its largest unsecured creditor, owed $1.9 million.
This bankruptcy gives the company legal alignment to shutter poorly performing outlets, restructure debt, and explore possible investor support under court supervision.
Author’s POV: A Reminder That Stability Is Fragile
As someone who’s watched local favorites evolve and disappear over the years, this latest filing hits especially hard. More than just restaurants, places like Bravo and Brio brought a certain familiarity — diners with white tablecloths, shared family meals, birthdays with pasta and wine. In too many towns, they were among the last of a neighborhood’s sit-down options. Their decline is a sign that the dining landscape is changing — and not always for the better.
Have your favorite Bravo or Brio location closed recently? Share your memories with us below and stay tuned to CityScoopNow.com for updates on restaurant closures and reopenings in your area.