Miami franchisee to shut 52 Popeyes restaurants
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Miami-based Sailormen Inc., one of the largest Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchisees in the United States, is preparing to close dozens of restaurants after an underwhelming bankruptcy auction in mid-June 2026. The company, which operated about 136 locations across Florida and Georgia at the start of 2026, obtained buyers for 97 stores for a total of $16.55 million but received no qualified bids for 52 restaurants. Sailormen has asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida for permission to reject the leases tied to these unprofitable locations, arguing in court filings that the unsold units are rapidly depleting its remaining cash and worsening losses.
More context
Timeline
- Early 2026 Sailormen operates 136 Popeyes locations
- Mid-2026 Financial pressures intensify across franchise network
- Mid-June 2026 Court-supervised bankruptcy auction is held
- Mid-June 2026 Buyers secure 97 Popeyes restaurants
- Mid-June 2026 Fifty-two locations receive no qualified bids
- Late June 2026 Sailormen files expedited lease rejection motion
- Late June 2026 Court asked to approve permanent closures
- 2026 Ongoing restructuring continues under Chapter 11
Why it matters
If you're a fan of Popeyes in Florida or Georgia, your local restaurant may be closing. Keep an eye out for any announcements. It could mean a longer drive for your favorite chicken.
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
