Hearing about restaurant closings has become more common, but the news often hits hardest when old establishments close their doors. These restaurants are much more than places to eat; many have become prominent pieces in their communities, tied to years of local memories and traditions. Even well-established chains have not been immune to this troubling … Read more
When buying something from a chain that has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it’s important to get possession of the item before handing over any cash. When Badcock Furniture filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, my wife and I looked at couches and found one we liked. However, they would not sell us the floor sample … Read more
In many cases, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy does not mean the end of a restaurant chain. That’s at least in part because brand names have value, and as long as the finances can be worked out with lenders, there will usually be more investors willing to get behind a Red Lobster comeback than those who … Read more
The Trump administration is taking a tougher stance on Americans with student loan debt, and borrowers are feeling it from both sides. On the one hand, the US Department of Education has curbed income-based reimbursements (1). In August alone, 327,955 applications were denied, according to a December 15 court filing (2). For borrowers who counted … Read more
In 1981, pizzerias that also served more sophisticated Italian food were somewhat rare. In Boston, you could go to the upscale traditional Italian restaurants in the city’s famous North End, but pizza was generally not on their menus. Yes, that neighborhood had some fabulous pizza places that I visited with friends and family in the … Read more