Restaurant chain files for bankruptcy and blames the rising cost of food and workers for its financial woes

A major restaurant chain with over 30 locations across the United States has filed for bankruptcy, blaming skyrocketing food and labour costs for its financial woes.

M&M Custard LLC, one of the largest franchise operators for Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, has locations across six states and had announced ambitious plans to expand throughout Chicago just three years ago.

However, since then, the company has been forced to file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, listing its $5.52 million in assets dwarfed by its $27.7 million in liabilities.

Fears that the chain could close its stores in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Kansas intensified after the filing. However, the company is reportedly working to keep all its stores open.

“We have no comment beyond that there are no plans to close any additional stores whatsoever,” Eric Cole, Co-CEO and founder of M&M Custard LLC, told The Independent. “The stores we closed that led to our filing were in the Chicago market. It's business as usual for our 31 franchise locations as well as the rest of Freddy's across the US.”

Court documents indicate that the company is seeking permission to keep its current banking arrangements and to take measures to manage its stagnating cash flow.

Since M&M is a franchise operator, the dire financial situation relates only to its stores, not to the larger Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburger brand.

Court documents, filed by the company and seen by Franchise Times, claim that the chain’s Chicago stores were a “toxic asset” which were purchased in 2021. M&M Custard invested $1 million to acquire and develop the six Chicago stores

Just three years later, the court documents suggest that the company was forced to begin a program of closures in Chicago.

In the bankruptcy filing, the brand blamed a combination of "combination of sustained negative EBITDA, limited buyer appetite for underperforming assets, and the increasingly burdensome regulatory and tax environment in Illinois eroded the long-term viability of the market,” according to Franchise Times.

"Despite targeted expansion, operational improvements, and increased market awareness, three years later (six years total under the brand), the Chicago market has struggled to gain sustainable traction, raising significant concerns about its long-term viability," the filing continued.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburger is locked in a tense rivalry with Dairy Queen, since both companies are known for selling whipped desserts alongside hamburgers. However, some Reddit fans have revealed they prefer Freddy’s meals to Dairy Queen’s iconic food.“Similar to Dairy Queen but maybe better presentation and aesthetic,” one enthusiastic diner wrote. “The taste is different too. Probably fair to say that it's richer and creamier. I'm happy to have it around as an option for those kinds of desserts.”Another fan was less enthused, saying that the burger chain outranked McDonald’s but not Five Guys.
For restaurants and small businesses facing financial pressure, professional accounting support can make a major difference in staying organised and planning ahead. Skilled accountants in Ilford and accountants in Croydon can help manage rising costs, improve cash flow, and guide companies through difficult financial decisions.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/freddy-frozen-custard-steakburgers-closure-b2868303.html