Bennigan’s all around the nation have abruptly closed today, after the chain’s parent company filed for bankruptcy. The Chicago Tribune dropped by the Bennigan’s at 255 N. Michigan Ave., and found a sign on the door of the restaurant that said “Closed for Business as of Tuesday, July 29.”
NBC5 in Dallas called a local restaurant and was told, “We won’t be opening anymore,” and a manager added, “This sucks. I’m out of a job.”
Details are hard to come by, but CBS 2 Chicago is reporting that the closure applies only to corporate-owned stores nationwide, and that independent franchise locations will remain open. Unfortunately for Bennigan’s fans, CBS 2 says the company has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which means that the restaurants are being liquidated and will not be staying in business. The station’s legal analyst says that Chapter 7 bankruptcy means that it is unlikely that employees will get their last paycheck.
Bennigan’s Restaurants Shut Down Nationwide [CBS 2] (Thanks, Joel!)
(Photo: zesmerelda )
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The one in Orange Park, FL has been closed for over a year now.
@jamesdenver: This surprises me as well….who knew??!
@mrblahh: Unless you are in Ireland, aren’t they all just ‘fake’ Irish joints?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I need my Monte Cristo!
*flails*
I was walking down Michigan Avenue last night and was surprised to see that the Bennigans was closed. Next to the computer-generated “Sorry, We’re Closed” signs was a hand-written note that said a nearby restaurant was hiring.
I figured the closure was temporary, maybe due to a kitchen fire or busted pipe, because most of the lights were still on. Guess not.
@backbroken: Any of the chains are… Does anyone here remember McHale’s bar over on 46th & 8th? That was what all of these fake “Irish” chains aspired to be but never came close.
Actually, I’m sad to see Bennigan’s go. It’s one of the few restaurants that’s open in Tampa/St. Pete and still serving food after 10pm. With that gone, the options are down to 7-11, McDonald’s, Steak & Shake, IHOP, and Sonic. Note the lack of alcohol. Granted, it’s not great food, but is more edible than the other choices.
I’m surprised Ruby Tuesday hasn’t gone out. Since the decor/menu overhaul, it’s like they’re trying to be a hip restaurant that really isn’t. Terribly overpriced and staff which is probably better suited for working fast food.
Recipe for the Monte Cristo for those mourning: [southernfood.about.com]
@FLConsumer: I thought dinner time in the Tampa area was 3-6 anyway.
@FLConsumer – the one over at Channelside is the only one staying open in the area, according to TBT.
@jjkean2: I was at the Channelside Bennigan’s for a good 5 hours in January after Gasparilla…let me tell you the bartenders put up one helluva fight trying to get my friend and I a cab after our ride had to leave in an emergency…and as I’m sure you’re aware that finding a taxi on Gasaprilla weekend is no small feat! It took them awhile to finally get us one but they never gave up, even though they were unbelievably busy dealing with the post-Gasparilla crowd. Glad to hear they escaped the cut!
You can’t blame this one on high gas prices. My firm pitched their parent company for legal work about two years ago and they were in trouble back then.
Plus, has anyone been to a Steak & Ale since 1978?
@backbroken: Thats true but the area that the parade is held in (Beverly) has tons of folks from ireland and tons of bars owned by them so its a little lame going to a chain restaurant when we could have been supporting the little guys.
“General Manager Mike Heffling said all of the Iowa restaurants are owned by Kinseth Hospitality Companies and will not close. “
So the ones in Iowa are safe… Lovely..
Last time my girl and I were in there, there were hairs in the appetizers.. Didn’t stick around to see the main course… yech
@mariospants: Not the same thing! Bennigan’s were BATTER DIPPED. who does that?!?! so good. I am depressed again.
Wow, I never got the chance to experience Bennigan’s
It looks like the rest of the chain has officially followed suit. Too bad, I liked that place, and a bunch of the Chicago area restaurants were franchisees who were trying to stay open. If you go to their main website you get an error message.
[www.bennigans.com]