Major Burger Chain Warns It’s on the Verge of Closing

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 20, 2024

BurgerFi, once a bustling hub for burger aficionados, now faces a dire financial crunch. The company is reeling from a massive $18.4 million loss reported for the second quarter. 

With cash reserves plummeting to just $4.4 million by mid-August, per CNN, the fast-casual chain is staring down the barrel of bankruptcy.

Crisis Talks with Creditors

Financial waters are choppy, and BurgerFi is desperately seeking some leniency from its creditors. 

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A variety of BurgerFi burgers and sides including chicken burgers, beef burgers with bacon, fries, and onion rings, all served on a metal tray

Source: BURGERFI/Facebook

Recent SEC filings reveal that without some form of relief, the company might be forced to declare bankruptcy—a scenario they’re striving to avoid.

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Debt Demands Could Spell Doom

A looming threat over BurgerFi’s future is its senior creditor’s right to demand immediate payback.

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Exterior view of a BurgerFi location in a shopping plaza with parked cars and adjacent stores under a clear sky.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The company openly admits that fulfilling such a demand would be impossible at present, which could lead to an instant financial collapse.

Closing Doors to Stay Afloat

The past months have been tough, with BurgerFi having to shut down eight locations early this year, adding to 14 closures from the previous year, CNN reports. 

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Close-up of a person holding a BurgerFi chicken burger with lettuce and tomato, wrapped in paper

Source: BURGERFI/Facebook

These necessary but painful decisions are part of efforts to stem their financial bleed.

Holding Strong in Key States

Despite the setbacks, BurgerFi still boasts a strong presence with over 100 locations primarily across Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, and Indiana. 

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Inside a BurgerFi restaurant featuring a casual dining area with wooden tables, overhead metal mesh ceiling, and hanging lights

Source: Wikimedia Commons

These states remain pivotal to their ongoing business strategy.

Quality as the Cornerstone

Financial troubles aside, BurgerFi continues to uphold its commitment to quality. 

Close-up of a BurgerFi cheeseburger with a branded bun, showing layers of beef patty, cheese, lettuce, and tomato

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Their website proudly states, “We don’t just serve great burgers. Since 2011, we’ve been serving next-level burgers made with fresh ingredients from the top suppliers across the country with an uncompromising standard for flavor and quality in everything we do.”

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Underlying Causes of Crisis

BurgerFi’s fiscal struggles stem from a mix of rapid restaurant closures and climbing costs of food and labor. 

A group of five BurgerFi employees smiling behind the counter, wearing black uniforms and caps, with the restaurant's green branding visible

Source: BURGERFI/Facebook

These pressures have drastically reduced sales and put significant stress on the company’s operational health.

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Scouring for Strategic Solutions

Earlier this year, the reality of their cash shortage prompted BurgerFi to consider various “strategic alternatives.” 

A large group of BurgerFi staff standing outside the restaurant under the large "BurgerFi" sign on a stone facade, smiling and dressed in uniform

Source: BURGERFI/Facebook

This announcement was the company’s first public admission of the financial turmoil they’ve been wading through.

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Chasing Financial Stability

Post-announcement, BurgerFi has been on a relentless hunt for additional financing or opportunities to sell assets, as per CNN

Close-up of a BurgerFi cheeseburger with a bun branded with the BurgerFi logo, served with a side of ketchup

Source: BURGERFI/Facebook

These steps are crucial as they scramble to secure their future.

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Emergency Cash Infusion

In a move to stabilize its finances, BurgerFi recently received $2.5 million in emergency funding from a lender. 

Evening view of a BurgerFi restaurant exterior with illuminated signage, showing the dining area through large windows

Source: BURGERFI/Facebook

Though a helpful boost, there’s still uncertainty over whether this will fully address their debt issues.

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Share Prices Tumble

Since debuting on the stock market in 2020, BurgerFi’s shares have nosedived almost 60%, hitting just 33 cents recently. 

Close-up of a BurgerFi deluxe burger with bacon, cheese, fried onions, and a sunny-side-up egg on a branded bun

Source: BURGERFI/Facebook

This sharp fall is a clear indicator of dwindling investor confidence and the tough road ahead.

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Reflecting a Broader Downturn

BurgerFi’s plight is part of a broader downturn affecting the U.S. restaurant industry, evidenced by recent bankruptcies of well-known names like Buca di Beppo and World of Beer. 

Interior of a BurgerFi restaurant showing a casual dining area with metal tables and chairs, wooden decor, and digital menu displays

Source: Wikimedia Commons

These trends highlight the industry-wide struggle with increased costs and changing consumer habits.

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