Several restaurant operators across California have filed for bankruptcy in recent months. Rising operating costs, declining sales, and shifting dining habits have pushed some operators to seek bankruptcy protection. Hayats Kitchen, Inc. from North Hollywood, is the latest restaurant to file for bankruptcy.
Hayats Kitchen, Inc. Enters Bankruptcy
Hayats Kitchen, Inc. filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition on March 11, 2026. The case details are available on PACER. The filing was made under Subchapter V.
Eric Bensamochan of The Bensamochan Law Firm, Inc., representing the North Hollywood restaurant in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Central California.
The operations of Hayats Kitchen, Inc. are expected to continue as it prepares to reorganize its finances under the guidance of the court.
Company Background
Hayats Kitchen, Inc. is a Lebanese food establishment in North Hollywood, California. The casual eatery serves a variety of Lebanese dishes, including hummus, mujadara, tabouli, and samke harra.
According to the restaurant’s website, the restaurant also offers catering services.
Case Related Details
As per details on PacerMonitor, Judge Victoria S. Kaufman is overseeing proceedings of the California restaurant. Additional details listed in the Chapter 11 Subchapter V include:
- Filing Date: March 11, 2026
- Court and Jurisdiction: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Central California
- Type of Filing: Active, Voluntary Petition, Subchapter V
- Chapter: 11
- Case Number: 1:26-bk-10498
- Reason for Filing: Restructure business under court supervision
Court filings indicate the company approved a corporate resolution authorizing the bankruptcy filing.
The deadline for the California business’s summary of assets and liabilities, Schedules A/B-H, and statement of financial affairs, is March 25, 2026. Other than this, the Chapter 11 Plan Subchapter V is due by June 9, 2026.
Recent Bankruptcies in California Restaurants
California’s restaurant industry has witnessed a wave of bankruptcies in the past few months.
One recent example out of the list is JIB Foods Inc. The Northern California brand sought bankruptcy to readjust its debts after serving diners for more than 40 years. Currently operating with the name Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, it formally made the filing on February 4, 2026.
Popular California-based pizza Pieology had also entered bankruptcy just two months before this. Its parent operator, The Little Brown Box Pizza LLC, submitted the Chapter 11 petition on December 8 after facing financial headwinds. The pizza chain has been serving diners for roughly 15 years.
Another California-based food operator that made headlines in December last year was Svangvitaya L.L.C. It filed for Chapter 11 on December 3, 2025. Operating as Sala Thai, the restaurant sought bankruptcy protection to address its financial obligations. For the last 35 years, the San Diego restaurant has offered diners several Thai menu items.
Hayats Kitchen, Inc.’s bankruptcy underscores the existing financial strain that different independent restaurants in California continue to face. The restructuring process will determine the restaurant’s path forward as it works to stabilize its finances.
