An Italian dining chain, renowned for its brick-oven pizza and pasta dishes, has once again turned to bankruptcy protection as a means of restructuring. Bertucci’s, which originated in Massachusetts, recently announced its third Chapter 11 filing since 2018. The move follows the closure of seven underperforming locations across the East Coast. Established by an Italian immigrant in 1981, the chain initially enjoyed significant success, even being ranked among America’s top pizza establishments by USA Today in 1989. However, a combination of inflationary pressures, rising food costs, and shifting consumer spending patterns have significantly impacted its operations.
Founded more than four decades ago, Bertucci’s quickly expanded throughout the late 20th century, reaching nearly 100 outlets at its peak. Despite this growth, financial difficulties began surfacing early in the new millennium. In 2018, the company first sought Chapter 11 protection, shuttering 15 restaurants. Subsequent challenges, including the global pandemic, led to another bankruptcy filing in late 2022, reducing its footprint to just 23 sites. This latest round of closures further trims the chain down to 15 operational units.
The decision to file for bankruptcy aims to provide the business with some much-needed breathing room. According to court documents, the company seeks to evaluate viable strategies moving forward while crafting a comprehensive reorganization plan. Citing ongoing economic uncertainties, escalating food prices, and reduced customer expenditures, Bertucci’s leadership hopes that this process will help stabilize their financial position.
As part of its strategy to minimize losses, Bertucci’s has strategically closed several underperforming branches. These include five locations within Massachusetts, one in Rhode Island, and another in Maryland. The remaining establishments continue to operate across various states along the Eastern seaboard, offering both traditional dine-in experiences and newer fast-casual formats like Bertucci’s Pronto in Boston.
Faced with mounting fiscal challenges, Bertucci’s remains optimistic about its future prospects. By leveraging the protections afforded through Chapter 11, the company anticipates gaining valuable time to reassess its business model and explore opportunities for revitalization. While the path ahead may be uncertain, the brand's enduring legacy and loyal customer base offer hope for renewed success amidst today’s turbulent economic climate.