Bar Louie Files for Bankruptcy Again, Closes Dallas Marquee Location

Bar Louie, the gastropub chain founded in Chicago in 1990 and now headquartered in Addison, Texas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in five years. Known for its craft cocktails and elevated pub fare, the chain is closing 14 underperforming locations, including its Mockingbird Station outpost in Dallas. This leaves 31 corporate-owned locations and 17 franchises across 19 states.

The company’s press release confirmed that these closures are part of a strategic effort to stabilize its finances and adapt to shifting consumer habits. Rising costs for food, labor, and utilities have significantly impacted the casual dining sector, and Bar Louie has not been immune. At its peak in 2018, the chain operated over 130 locations, a number that has now dwindled to 48.

Despite these challenges, Bar Louie remains committed to its neighborhood bar concept, emphasizing its role as a gathering place for craft cocktails and a menu that blends classic and contemporary flavors. The company has secured debtor-in-possession financing to support operations during the restructuring process and aims to emerge from bankruptcy within 90 days.