American Cafe parent said to file for bankruptcyAmerican Cafe parent said to file for bankruptcy

MARYVILLE Tenn. Specialty Restaurant Group LLC, operator of the American Cafe, Silver Spoon Cafe and L&N Seafood Grill casual-dining concepts, has filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

An article posted on the paper’s website said Specialty’s major creditors include Ruby Tuesday Inc., the dinnerhouse operator and franchisor that sold the brands in 2000 to the chain’s management. The bankruptcy filing follows the closing of 20 Specialty-run restaurants during the first week in January, the story said.

Specialty operates 38 restaurants, mostly under the American Cafe brandname, according to the company’s website. Specialty and Ruby Tuesday are both based here.