Bravo Brio Restaurants LLC, the parent company of Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on August 20, 2025, as the casual dining sector grapples with economic pressures.
Rising Costs Hit Hard
The Orlando-based chain, which operates 23 Bravo! Italian Kitchen and 25 Brio Italian Grille locations across the U.S., pointed to soaring food and labor costs, high inflation, and reduced customer spending as reasons for the filing. Court documents show assets and liabilities between $50 million and $100 million, with Sysco Corporation listed as a major creditor owed $1.9 million. This marks the company’s second Chapter 11 filing since 2020, reflecting ongoing struggles in the restaurant industry.
Industry Faces Tough Times
The Italian dining sector is under strain, with chains like Buca di Beppo and Bertucci’s also filing for bankruptcy in 2024 and 2025. Post-pandemic recovery challenges, rising operational costs, and changing dining habits have hit casual dining hard. Bravo Brio, acquired by Earl Enterprises in 2020 after its first bankruptcy, plans to close underperforming locations and streamline operations to stay afloat.
Path to Recovery
Bravo Brio aims to keep all 48 locations open during the restructuring process, ensuring minimal disruption for customers. The company is exploring options like potential sales or partnerships to bolster its finances. “This filing helps us tackle operational challenges and strengthen our brands for the future,” a company spokesperson said.
Broader Dining Trends
The casual dining sector is facing a tough landscape, with chains like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays also entering bankruptcy in 2024. Bravo Brio’s restructuring focuses on high-performing locations and improving customer experiences to adapt to market shifts. While no specific closures have been announced, the company remains committed to delivering quality Italian dining.
