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Oprah-backed restaurant chain files for bankruptcy and abruptly closes 12 restaurants
The Independent • • business
Key Points:
- True Food Kitchen, a health-focused restaurant chain backed by Oprah Winfrey, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after closing 12 locations, leaving 34 restaurants operating across 14 states.
- The company cited $42 million in debt, frequent management changes, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, and operational challenges from rapid growth as key factors behind its financial troubles.
- Founded in 2008 by Sam Fox and Dr. Andrew Weil, the chain emphasizes nutrient-dense, health-conscious dishes and saw Oprah Winfrey invest in 2018, though she no longer participates in daily operations.
- True Food Kitchen has secured a $20 million financial commitment to maintain operations during bankruptcy proceedings and aims to restructure to strengthen its financial foundation and optimize its restaurant footprint.
- CEO Jeff Chandler stated the Chapter 11 filing is intended to simplify the business and focus on delivering health-forward food and genuine hospitality, with confidence in building a stronger future for the brand.
