Restaurant chain once frequented by Kardashians files for bankruptcy after 36 years A 36-year-old Southern California brunch chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, owing over $1 million after rent disputes and construction woes forced multiple closures. NFL legend reveals why eating 'real food' after retirement led him to raise his own beefBakery can't make handmade empanadas fast enough as tourists descend on nation's oldest cityBefore McDonald's and Starbucks, Americans packed these once-beloved lunch countersViral bakery's missing cinnamon rolls spark $3,100 theft accusation and Border Patrol plot twistMcDonald's brings back popular item for short time as one state gets a treatShoppers are going hog wild for Piggly Wiggly's retro pig merchandiseJD Vance's new chicken coop puts spotlight on growing American backyard trend that family has 'loved'Veterinarian weighs in on Girl Scouts' new dog treats, shares feeding adviceTrump signs executive order supporting American cattle ranchersThe creator of the famous US Open Honey Deuce cocktail reveals how it was createdHow to make the famous Honey Deuce cocktail served at the US OpenBlack bear raids Lake Tahoe vacation home, escapes with steaks and pastriesMarmalade Cafe, a Southern California restaurant fixture founded in 1990, has filed for Chapter 11 protection amid rent disputes, supplier obligations and broader losses affecting the dining industry. Marmalade Café, a 36-year-old Southern California brunch favorite, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sept. 2, citing"rent disputes and mounting supplier debts." It owes more than $1 million to Gilmore Farmers Market, US Foods, Sysco Ventura Inc., the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and others, according to multiple reports. Over the years, the chain, which first opened in Santa Monica in 1990, evolved from a grab-and-go spot to offering privateto businesses including Boeing, Mattel, CBS and Warner Bros. Studios. The Calabasas location was even a favorite of the Kardashians, according to reports.It was operating just four locations across Southern California at the time of the filing after closing four others in recent years. The company cited hardships including"unsustainable financial losses and a lack of rent relief," according to the filing.The Calabasas restaurant closed after construction disrupted parking and drove down sales; its Santa Monica location shuttered amid losses tied to the Palisades fire; and the Original Farmers Market outpost closed after failing to regain pre-pandemic business,"Unfortunately, the ongoing construction throughout the shopping center has resulted in a devastating decline in business," the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post in July about the Calabasas closure."Despite our best efforts to weather these challenges, and after seeking rent relief from our landlord during this extended construction period, the landlord declined to help," the statement continued. "With construction expected to continue for an extended period, we simply cannot sustain the financial losses any longer. "Marmalade Café's four remaining locations in El Segundo, Malibu, Sherman Oaks and Westlake Village remain open, and a representative told the Los Angeles Times they are"very healthy and very strong."While many chains go bankrupt, chef Andrew Gruel predicts the restaurants that will survive are those that can adapt their overall business models to industry shifts. "Marmalade's Chapter 11 filing is a prime example of how difficult the restaurant business has become, particularly in California," Gruel said. "Longevity and a loyal customer base are valuable, but they don't necessarily protect a restaurant when the underlying cost structure changes faster than the business can adapt." The filing also stated that the company had downsized from more than 200 employees to about 50 as of this year. Other recent casualties include Fireman Hospitality, Salad and Go and FAT Brands, the parent company of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and other chains. Red Lobster, Carl's Jr. and Marmalade Café joins a growing list of restaurant chains facing financial trouble, including On the Border. The closures do not necessarily mean the restaurants were poorly run, Gruel added.Rather, rising costs can catch up with even established businesses — part of an industry reset he expects will bring more closures."The operators who survive will likely be those who can adapt their menus, staffing, hours, footprint and overall business model while maintaining the experience that brings customers back," he said.