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Bankrupt Pizza Hut franchisee plans to sell all 127 storesBankrupt Pizza Hut franchisee plans to sell all 127 stores

EYM Pizza has engaged National Franchise Sales to help with the transaction as part of a financial restructuring process

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

September 25, 2024

1 Min Read
Pizza Hut
One franchisee's 127 Pizza Hut stores are now up for sale.Photo courtesy of Pizza Hut

EYM Pizza L.P., a Pizza Hut franchisee that filed for bankruptcy in July, is selling all 127 of its stores in Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, as part of a financial restructuring process.

EYM engaged M&A advisory and brokerage firm National Franchise Sales to facilitate the sale, including assistance in the asset recovery process to maximize recovery for creditors. EYM’s bankruptcy filing listed two creditors: Manufacturers Bank, which it owes more than $21 million, and Pizza Hut itself, which is owed just under $2.25 million.

“National Franchise Sales is dedicated to navigating this challenging period with EYM Pizza L.P. and its affiliates. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and maximize value for all parties impacted by this process,” NFS Asset Recovery Team lead advisor Alan Gallup said in a statement.

EYM’s bankruptcy came after Pizza Hut sued the franchisee for not paying royalties on time even after a forbearance period was granted. EYM had previously sued Pizza Hut for breach of fiduciary duty, among other claims, but the case was dismissed, opening the way for Pizza Hut’s own lawsuit.

In August, EYM Pizza’s sibling company EYM Chicken abruptly closed about 25 KFC restaurants in various markets in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Both are owned by EYM Group, which also franchises Denny’s and Panera locations. Those KFC stores will remain closed until the locations have new owners.

Related:Pizza Hut franchisee EYM files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

 

About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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