True Food Kitchen has permanently closed its Bethesda restaurant after nearly a decade in business, as the health-focused restaurant chain begins a Chapter 11 restructuring process.
The Bethesda restaurant, located at 7100 Wisconsin Ave., opened in late spring 2017 and was one of 12 True Food Kitchen locations that permanently closed following their final day of service on Sunday, October 4. The company’s other Montgomery County restaurant, located at Rio in Gaithersburg, remains open. That location debuted in 2022.
A notice posted at the Bethesda restaurant thanks the community, team members and guests for their support and says the company hopes customers will visit another True Food Kitchen location. The notice also directs employees to HotSchedules for additional information.
True Food Kitchen announced that it and certain affiliates have voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. According to the company, the restructuring is intended to strengthen its financial position, reduce costs, optimize its restaurant footprint and accelerate operational improvements.
“This process is the best path forward to simplify the business and focus on what we do best: delivering craveable, health-forward food and genuine hospitality,” CEO Jeff Chandler said in announcing the filing. “We are confident this step will help us build a stronger True Food Kitchen for the future.”
Following the closure of the 12 restaurants, True Food Kitchen said its remaining 34 locations across 14 states will continue operating as usual.
As part of the Chapter 11 process, the company plans to pursue a court-supervised sale in an effort to identify a long-term partner to support the brand. True Food Kitchen has also secured a commitment for approximately $20 million in debtor-in-possession financing, subject to court approval, to help fund operations during the restructuring and sale process.
The company said it is seeking court approval to continue paying employee wages and benefits, maintain certain guest programs and continue working with vendors and other business partners during the proceedings.
