ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hawkers Asian Street Food, a Florida-based restaurant company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a move it says will "protect" it from an "overreaching lender."
While Hawkers works under the bankruptcy filing, the company said all 15 locations — including the popular Central Avenue location in St. Petersburg's Edge District — will remain open.
The company explained in a news release that in early 2023, Hawkers agreed with a lender to enter into a "debt capital agreement" to grow the Hawkers brand "into a household name across the United States."
However, Hawkers' owners claim that over the last two months, it became clear the lender's goal was to "gain control" of the company. The release stated Hawkers had never missed a payment to the lender since entering into the partnership.
By filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Hawkers said it will be able to operate as normal without interruptions to service and continue vendor payments as owners "re-stabilize" company control in a "way that secures a thriving and successful future for Hawkers and its dedicated team."
"Hawkers Asian Street Food’s goals remain clear and steady – protect the guest experience at every turn, prioritize the safety and well-being of its team members and stakeholders, and continue growing the brand in a sustainable and upstanding manner," the release stated in part.
The company said it hopes a "favorable" outcome can be reached with its lender. And, despite the ongoing bankruptcy filing, the owners believe the company's future "remains bright" and Hawkers will be open for guests "for decades to come."
Hawkers Asian Street Food was founded by four friends, Kaleb Harrell, Allen Lo, Wayne Yung and Kin Ho. They reportedly opened the first location in 2011 in Orlando. Since then, Hawkers has expanded to 15 locations across seven states.
In 2022, Hawkers was given a Michelin Guide Recommendation when Florida received its first-ever Michelin Guide.
