Bar Louie files for bankruptcy, closes Alabama location

Bar Louie in Flint Township

Bar Louie is closing its Alabama location. (Ryan Garza | MLive.com)The Flint Journal

Gastropub chain Bar Louie has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will close almost a third of its locations, including its restaurant in Alabama.

The Alabama location at Bridge Street in Huntsville is among almost 40 others to close.

“The company does not expect the filing to have meaningful impact on its day-to-day business. In advance of the filing, the company closed underperforming locations to strengthen its operational and financial position,” Bar Louie said in a press release.

The Huntsville restaurant made the announcement via Facebook.

“To our loyal guests, our last day of business was January 25th, 2020. Please visit us at www.barlouie.com/locations to find the Bar Louie nearest to you,” the restaurant said on Facebook. “Thanks for the memories.”

In a press release, Bar Louie said it had reached an agreement with its lenders to act as a “stalking horse” purchaser during the bankruptcy process, which is expected to last about 90 days. The company said its remaining ninety locations across the country will remain open.

“Bar Louie is a profitable business focused on long-term growth with new investors. The sale through Chapter 11 will help us to focus on our profitable core locations and expand in areas that have a proven track record of success," Tom Fricke, CEO of Bar Louie said. “Most importantly, it ensures that we can continue to provide superior service to our guests, implement an exciting range of new customer-facing initiatives, expand our marketing influence, and continue to offer the 5-star experience we are known for.”

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