Marie Callender’s files for chapter 11 bankruptcy

Joseph Trungale, the CEO of restaurant chain Marie Callender’s announced yesterday that the company has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The owner of the chain of eateries made the decision amidst falling sales due to the sluggish economy, as well as the struggling housing markets in both California and Florida.

The restaurant and bakery chain, famous for home-style meals and a bakery, and its sister company Perkin, both found themselves in dire straits after the 2004 housing market collapse.

Marie Callender’s plans on closing 64 of its 600 locations, the closure would result in the loss of 2,500 jobs. Prior to the announcement, the company employed nearly 12,000 people throughout its locations. Already 31 locations have been closed throughout the U.S, 13 of which were in California.

In Santa Rosa, California as well as Phoenix, Arizona restaurants were closed yesterday without any notice. Yesterday’s closures included the last three Marie Callender’s locations in Arizona. Marie Callenders is just one of many restaurants that have faced bankruptcy recently, Sbarro’s, Fuddrcukers, and Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse are a few establishments that have been hit hard by the rising price of food. As part of the bankruptcy procedures, the company has sold its Marie Callender’s trademarks to ConAgra, who will continue the sale of the company’s frozen foods.

Marie Callender’s was established in 1948 in Long Beach as a pie wholesale outlet. Marie’s son Don Callender used to sell his mother’s pies door to door. The venture began as a way to augment their family income, but the two turned it into a flourishing business. The company orginally specialized in baked goods like pies and cakes but soon expanded their menu to include home-style cooking and also a line of frozen foods. The aesthetic of the restaurants is rustic and somewhat Victorian.

The San Diego branches are still open for business, located in Chula Vista and Escondido.

11122 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
858-675-9428 | FAX 858-675-9418

Hours: Sun-Th 7-10, F & Sat 7-11
Breakfast Hours: M-Sun 7am-11am
6950 Alvarado Rd., San Diego, CA 92120
619-465-1910 | FAX 619-465-2304

Hours: M-F 11-10, F 11-11, Sat 9-11, Sun 9-10
Brunch Hours: Sat 9am-1pm, Sun 9am-2pm