Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen files for Chapter 11 and closes 12 locations
Health-focused restaurant chain True Food Kitchen, in which Oprah Winfrey holds a minority stake, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and shut down 12 restaurants across nine states, leaving 34 locations operating.
True Food Kitchen, a health-oriented restaurant chain backed by Oprah Winfrey, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday and closed 12 of its outlets in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Virginia. The closures were announced in a company release, which said the affected sites served their final customers that day. The filing leaves 34 restaurants operating in 14 states.
Founded in 2008 by Sam Fox and Dr. Andrew Weil, the chain emphasizes nutrient-dense menus that include salads, grain bowls, pizzas and sandwiches. Winfrey invested in 2018 and served on the board for a period, but a spokesperson confirmed she is now a minority investor and does not take part in daily management.
In its filing, the company cited roughly $42 million in debt, frequent leadership changes and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as primary financial pressures. It also noted that rapid expansion created operational challenges, such as shifting growth plans, menu revisions and unsuccessful new concepts.
"This process is the best path forward to simplify the business and focus on what we do best: delivering health-forward food and hospitality," CEO Jeff Chandler said.
The chain has secured a provisional $20 million financing commitment to sustain operations while the bankruptcy case proceeds, pending court approval.