Bravo Brio, the parent company of Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Florida. With over 56 locations across 20 states at risk, discover why this iconic Italian restaurant group is struggling and what it means for the future of casual dining.
Bravo Brio Bankruptcy: A Struggling Italian Restaurant Group Faces Uncertainty
The Bravo Brio bankruptcy filing has sent shockwaves through the casual dining industry. Known for its restaurant brands Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, the group announced on Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida, threatening the future of its 56 locations across 20 states.
This is not the first time Bravo Brio Bankruptcy has faced financial turmoil. The group has struggled for years with debt, shifting consumer dining habits, and increasing operational expenses. While the brand is beloved for its authentic Italian classics like seafood risotto and hearty pasta dishes, financial pressures have made it increasingly difficult to keep doors open.
A History of Financial Struggles
Bravo Brio Bankruptcy challenges are not new. Originally launched in Columbus, Ohio, in 1992, the group expanded nationwide, offering upscale yet approachable Italian dining. However, the company’s fortunes began to decline years ago.
- In 2020, the group filed for bankruptcy under its then-owner, FoodFirst Global Holdings Inc., carrying roughly $27 million in debt.
- At that time, more than 50 restaurant locations were closed.
- The group was acquired by Earl Enterprises, the hospitality company led by Robert Earl, known for owning several dining brands.
Despite new ownership and leadership changes, including the appointment of Craig Miller as CEO in March 2025, Bravo Brio has continued to struggle.
Why Bravo Brio Filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again
The restaurant group cited several factors behind its latest Bravo Brio Bankruptcy filing:
1. Rising Debt and Operational Costs
From rent and wages to ingredient costs, Bravo Brio has faced inflation-driven operational expenses that ate into profits.
2. Decline in Sales Since 2019
Reports suggest the group has seen nearly a 50% drop in sales since 2019, a staggering decline for any restaurant chain.
3. Competition from Fast-Casual Dining
The rise of fast-casual eateries has changed how consumers dine. Brands like Chipotle and Panera have gained popularity, while traditional casual dining chains like Bravo Brio face declining foot traffic.
4. Pandemic-Related Shifts
COVID-19 permanently altered consumer dining behavior. Even years later, mall-based restaurants and sit-down chains continue to suffer from reduced in-person dining.
Locations at Risk Across 20 States
Currently, the group operates about 31 Brio Italian Grille locations and 25 Bravo! Italian Kitchen restaurants. With this bankruptcy filing, underperforming locations are most at risk of closing.
Already, locations in malls and shopping centers in Virginia and other states have shuttered. More closures are likely in the coming months as part of the debt restructuring process.
Earl Enterprises and Leadership Changes
Robert Earl’s Earl Enterprises stepped in during Bravo Brio’s 2020 bankruptcy, hoping to stabilize the brand. The appointment of Craig Miller, a seasoned executive with experience at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Uno Pizzeria & Grill, was another attempt to bring fresh strategy and leadership.
Earl praised Miller’s “unparalleled expertise and strategic vision”, but it remains unclear whether this bankruptcy filing will allow the group to restructure successfully—or whether it signals the beginning of the end for Bravo Brio.
How Bravo Brio Bankruptcy Compares to Other Restaurant Chains
Bravo Brio Bankruptcy is not alone. Other popular Italian restaurant chains have also faced financial hardship in recent years.
| Restaurant Chain | Bankruptcy Year | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bravo Brio | 2020 & 2025 | At risk of further closures |
| Buca di Beppo | 2017 (court protection) | Restructured, fewer locations |
| Sbarro | 2014 | Significant downsizing, still operating |
| Bertucci’s | 2018 | Multiple locations closed |
The Bravo Brio bankruptcy reflects a wider industry trend: casual dining chains are struggling to adapt in a market increasingly dominated by fast-casual and delivery-first concepts.
What Bankruptcy Means for Customers
For loyal diners, the filing raises questions about whether their local Bravo! Italian Kitchen or Brio Italian Grille will remain open. While the company insists it will use bankruptcy as a “tool for restructuring,” history shows that many chains in this position close dozens of locations to survive.
Customers may see:
- Reduced menu offerings to cut costs.
- Closed locations, particularly those in underperforming malls.
- Operational restructuring under Earl Enterprises to refocus on profitable markets.
The Future of Italian Dining Chains in the US
The Bravo Brio bankruptcy highlights a broader shift in consumer preferences. Today’s diners often prioritize:
- Convenience (fast-casual dining and delivery services).
- Affordability amid inflation.
- Healthier menu options and transparency about ingredients.
Traditional sit-down Italian chains, with higher overhead costs, face a difficult road ahead unless they adapt.
FAQs About Bravo Brio Bankruptcy
Q1. What is the main reason Bravo Brio filed for bankruptcy?
The group cited rising operational expenses, inflation, declining sales, and debt restructuring needs as key reasons.
Q2. How many locations does Bravo Brio currently operate?
There are about 31 Brio Italian Grille and 25 Bravo! Italian Kitchen locations across 20 states.
Q3. Will all Bravo Brio locations close?
Not all, but underperforming locations are at high risk as the group restructures under Chapter 11.
Q4. Who owns Bravo Brio now?
The group is owned by Earl Enterprises, led by Robert Earl, which acquired the chain during its 2020 bankruptcy.
Q5. Has Bravo Brio filed for bankruptcy before?
Yes, the group previously filed in 2020, when it was carrying over $27 million in debt.