A BELOVED Italian restaurant chain has confirmed the closure of four locations after a bankruptcy filing.
The company, dubbed ‘better than Olive Garden‘ by fans, has closed two sites in Michigan and two in Lexington, Kentucky.
Sign up for the Money newsletter
Thank you!
An Olive Garden rival has shuttered four locations following a bankruptcy filing (stock)Credit: Getty
The fast-casual Italian restaurant chain notified shocked customers with abrupt closure notices (Stock)Credit: d3sign
Diners were not given much notice, with many only finding out when they saw notices posted outside the restaurants.
In the notices, Fazoli’s told customers: “This location is now closed. Thank you for supporting this Fazoli’s location.
“We have enjoyed the opportunity to serve you.”
The posts were spotted at two West Michigan locations, the Walker location at 2521 Alpine Ave. and the Muskegon location at 1780 E. Sherman Blvd.
BOTTOMLESS BYE
Bye bye birdy as 20 Red Robin locations to go dark – closure count hits 50
CLOSING TIME
Kroger starts closures with 30 stores on chopping block after failed $25B deal
Similar notices were seen at both Fazoli’s locations in the Idle Shopping Center and the Zandale Shopping Center in Lexington.
Customers were told to visit other nearby locations that are staying open.
It comes after the chain’s parent company FAT Brands filed for bankruptcy over its $1.3 billion debt.
The major global franchising company has a portfolio of 18 restaurant concepts and over 2,200 locations globally.
It operates iconic brands like Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza, Fazoli’s, Marble Slab Creamery, and more.
Diners say they have been left devastated by the Fazoli’s closures.
Fazoli’s closed two restaurants in West Michigan and two in Lexington, Kentucky (stock)Credit: Alamy
“I love Fazolis, I think it’s better than Olive Garden,” one diner wrote under a TikTok video reviewing the chain’s food.
“I’m devastated, I love Fazolis,” another wrote on Facebook in response to the closures.
“So sad to hear the news of 2 locations of Fazoli’s in Lexington closing,” another said.
“When I wonder why I walk miles each day and I’m still not skinny anymore, it’s because I have a weekly Fazoli’s addiction!”
“This place is more than a restaurant to me…it’s core memories,” she added.
“LOVE Fazoli’s. So sad about this,” a third added.
The chain was founded in 1988 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Dining and Cooking