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Garfield’s parent files for bankruptcyGarfield’s parent files for bankruptcy

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

May 21, 2009

1 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

EDMOND Okla. Privately held Eateries Inc., parent to the Garfield’s Restaurant & Pub chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month.

Eateries reported estimated liabilities that totaled between $10 million and $50 million and estimated assets that totaled between $1 million and $10 million. The bankruptcy documents were filed May 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Western Oklahoma.

The company was founded in 1984 when Vincent F. Orza Jr. opened his first Garfield’s in Oklahoma City. The company went public in 1986 and started franchising in 1987. Through acquisitions, the company grew to 72 restaurants in 26 states including 48 Garfield’s, 13 Garcia’s Mexican, two Pepperoni Grills and nine Garfield’s Cafés. Some of the Garfield’s restaurants are franchised. Orza sold his interest in Eateries in 2006.

The company went private in 2003. It reportedly tallied sales of $74.4 million for 2007, the latest available data, and employs nearly 3,000 people.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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