The popular Tex-Mex chain seeks an investor to navigate through challenging economic conditions.
Sausalitos, a well-known restaurant chain famous for its large cocktails and Tex-Mex cuisine, has submitted a request for bankruptcy protection.
This decision affects multiple companies within the group, including SausalitosHolding GmbH as well as its regional branches, as recognized by the Munich District Court.
Notably, franchise partners operating under the Sausalitos brand are not directly impacted by this bankruptcy filing.
The court has appointed bankruptcy attorney Michael Schuster from Jaffe law firm to oversee the proceedings.
Despite the financial challenges, the company has communicated its commitment to keep all its restaurants open and ensure that salaries for approximately 1,000 employees will be disbursed by the end of May.
In his remarks regarding the bankruptcy, Schuster stated that the primary objective is to continue operations and seek an investor for the Sausalitos brand, which he characterized as a concept of systematic gastronomy.
The company cites several key factors contributing to its financial difficulties, prominently the repercussions of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes in consumer behavior, a decrease in foot traffic, and a general decline in revenue and profitability attributed to the economic situation in Germany have particularly affected the drink-oriented gastronomy sector.
Founded in 1994 by Thomas Hirschberger in Ingolstadt, Sausalitos was sold to investors in 2014 and has since expanded to operate over 40 locations across Germany.
Despite the onset of bankruptcy proceedings, the company aims to find a resolution that will facilitate recovery and preserve the brand's unique atmosphere and popular cocktails.
The future of Sausalitos remains uncertain as the administration and the bankruptcy trustee work to maintain operational restaurants and ensure continuity for its employees.
The search for an investor willing to take on the challenge of restoring this beloved restaurant chain to profitability is ongoing.