Miami-based Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchisee Sailormen has filed for Chapter 11 relief in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The filing cites Covid-19 effects, inflationary pressures, high borrowing rates, and a limited labor force as reasons behind the bankruptcy. Sailormen reported $233m in sales and a $19m loss in 2025.

Sailormen’s financial strain led to the failed sale of 16 Popeyes restaurants in 2023, leaving the company responsible for the leases. Currently operating 136 Popeyes locations in Florida and Georgia, as of January 15, 2026, Sailormen employed 3,306 workers, including 3,272 hourly employees.

The company’s future remains uncertain, with the restructuring potentially leading to location closures. Sailormen was established in 1984 to own and operate Popeyes restaurants, with Bob Berg and Steve Wemple acquiring the company in 1987, expanding into multiple markets over the years.

Interfoods of America holds 100% ownership of Sailormen’s outstanding capital stock. The company sold operations in various states between 2012 and 2018 to focus on new restaurant development in Florida and Georgia. The Chapter 11 filing marks a significant development in the history of the Popeyes franchisee Sailormen.

Read more at Yahoo Finance.: Popeyes franchisee Sailormen files for Chapter 11 in Florida