The Italian restaurant chain Bertucci has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the third time since 2018. Based in Massachusetts and recognized for its brick oven pizza and pasta, the chain has shut down five locations in Massachusetts, along with one each in Rhode Island and Maryland, due to underperformance.
Bertucci’s was established in 1981 by Joseph Kroanard, an Italian immigrant. It gained notable recognition in 1989 when USA Today ranked it among the top 10 pizza spots in the country. The restaurant expanded rapidly, reaching around 100 outlets by the end of the 2000s.
This bankruptcy filing aims to provide the company with some breathing room to figure out the most effective way forward and create a reorganization strategy. The filing noted, “This year we’ve witnessed an unpredictable global economy, rising food costs, and reduced consumer spending.”
Previously, in April 2018, Bertucci had filed for bankruptcy protection and closed 15 restaurants. Then, in December 2022, influenced by challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic—including closures and high inflation, it announced another bankruptcy, cutting down 23 restaurants.
As the economic strain continues, only 15 locations remain operational for the restaurant. Those are listed as follows:
Massachusetts (10 locations)
- Boston (Bertucci Pronto – Fast-Advanced Format)
- Chelmsford
- Chestnut Hill (West Locksbury)
- Framingham
- Hingham
- Medford
- Newton
- Reading
- Waltham
- Westborough
