Mike Isabella's Restaurant Group Files Bankruptcy: Report (ICYMI)

Editor's note: This article was originally posted earlier this week.

The end has come for Mike Isabella's restaurant empire, which has been struggling for the better part of a year after a sexual harassment lawsuit rocked the company. Now, his restaurant group has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to a Washingtonian report.

It's been a stunning fall from glory for Isabella, who rose to prominence on the popular TV cooking competition Top Chef and went on to create a company that would once be worth $40 million and feature popular restaurants like Kapnos.

For example, Kapnos on 14th Street had $5 million in gross revenue last year but had just half that as of Dec. 10 this year, the Washingtonian reported. Arroz also saw profits plummet.

The bankruptcy application includes the restaurants Kapnos, G, Arroz, Pepita, Yona, and Kapnos Taverna, as well as restaurants that have already closed down: Kapnos Taverna College Park, Requin Brasserie, and Isabella Eatery.

Isabella's restaurants include locations in D.C. as well as Arlington.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy means the company will cease operations and liquidate its assets. The move comes after Isabella battled accusations of sexual harassment and a toxic "bro culture" at his restaurants. Staff have also reportedly claimed he drinks excessively.

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