Why True Food Kitchen closed its Edison NJ restaurant location

Oct. 6, 2026, 3:51 p.m. ET

True Food Kitchen, a fast-casual health-focused restaurant chain, has closed its Menlo Park Mall location after filing for bankruptcy protection Oct. 5, according to a news release.

The Edison location, along with 11 other restaurants nationwide, including one in Hackensack, closed Oct. 4.

True Food Kitchen no longer operates any locations in New Jersey. The company retains 34 restaurants in 14 states.

The bankruptcy process will help True Food Kitchen “strengthen its financial foundation, optimize its restaurant footprint and cost structure, and accelerate ongoing operational improvements,” the release said.

As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, True Food Kitchen secured a commitment for approximately $20 million in financing from HumanCo TFK IV, which is expected to provide funding to support operations during the bankruptcy process and the sale of the company.

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“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 the release. “We are confident this step will help us build a stronger True Food Kitchen for the future.”

In Edison, the restaurant featured a 189-seat dining room, an open kitchen, a to-go entrance and counter, a full bar and two patios with seating for 82. It employed 150 people.

“We know these decisions are especially hard on the team members affected, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions to True Food Kitchen and their communities,” Chandler said. “We are committed to approaching this difficult moment with care and respect, and we will share information on resources and next steps with affected team members.”

The chain was co-founded by integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil. The menu is based on Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid, which is designed to combat chronic inflammation and emphasizes foods that promote overall health.

Staff Reporter Jenna Intersimone: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com