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 )