Major Pizza Chain on Brink of Bankruptcy, 500 Locations at Risk of Closing
Mod Pizza, famed for its build-your-own pizza options, could be hitting rough financial waters. Bloomberg sources suggest a bankruptcy filing might drop as early as next week.
This could spell trouble for the 500-plus Mod locations spread across the U.S. Stay tuned, because every one of them could be affected.
What's Next for Mod Pizza?
Nothing’s set in stone yet for Mod Pizza.
![A busy interior view of a Mod Pizza restaurant, featuring a dining area filled with customers, a wall adorned with photos, and a modern decor](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/2b9a064a-untitled-design-41.jpg)
Source: MOD Pizza/Facebook
Insiders hint that “plans are not finalized and could still change.” It’s a nail-biter as the company teeters between major financial restructuring or possibly having to shut down altogether.
Behind the Dough: Mod's Financial Moves
A Mod Pizza spokesperson conveyed urgency and hope: “We’re working diligently to improve our capital structure and are exploring all options to do so.”
![A daytime exterior view of a Mod Pizza store, showcasing a modern facade with large windows and the Mod Pizza sign prominently displayed](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/7f3e2210-untitled-design-42.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The chain’s struggle reflects a broader trend of financial pressures mounting within the restaurant industry.
From Seattle to Nationwide
Born in Seattle in 2008, Mod Pizza didn’t just stay local.
![A Mod Pizza box open on an outdoor table, containing a pizza topped with fresh arugula, tomato slices, and shredded cheese](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/4f2a711c-untitled-design-43.jpg)
Source: MOD Pizza/Facebook
They’ve since spread their wings to over 500 locations across 28 states, becoming a major player in the fast-casual dining game.
Texas Loves Mod Pizza
With 113 locations, Texas is the state with the most Mod Pizzas.
![A Mod Pizza location with a unique, modern design situated in a suburban shopping area, featuring colorful murals and a compact parking lot](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/fb2bbd55-untitled-design-44.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This is a key battleground for the chain, especially now as they navigate these financial difficulties.
Mod’s West Coast Stronghold
Mod’s roots are deep in the West Coast.
![A night view of a Mod Pizza store's illuminated signage and warmly lit interior, inviting with its open facade and visible dining area](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/db6e41bd-untitled-design-45.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Home state Washington boasts 72 locations, Oregon has 32, and California supports 46. These key areas are crucial to Mod’s strategy and success in the American market.
The Financial Recipe: Investments and IPO Ambitions
Back in 2019, Mod Pizza caught a $150 million lifeline from Clayton Dubilier & Rice.
![Close-up view of a Mod Pizza topped with grilled chicken, red onions, jalapeños, and a drizzle of pesto sauce, displayed in an open box on a table](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/e7f33b59-untitled-design-46.jpg)
Source: MOD Pizza/Facebook
Further showing ambition, the chain filed for an initial public offering in 2021, aiming to solidify its slice of the market.
A Costly Menu
Rising costs have forced many restaurants to hike prices, a move that has unfortunately thinned out customer visits.
![A person serves slices of freshly baked Mod Pizza from open boxes during a gathering, with different pizza toppings visible in each box](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/01d72abe-untitled-design-47.jpg)
Source: MOD Pizza/Facebook
This industry-wide trend spells trouble not just for Mod but for many in the fast-food arena.
Industry-wide Turmoil
It’s a tough time all around for eateries.
![Exterior view of a TGI Fridays restaurant with bold red and white color scheme and the restaurant's signage visible above the entrance](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/c1b800c6-untitled-design-48.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Giants like Applebee’s and TGI Fridays, along with smaller chains like BurgerFi, have had to close locations. Economic pressures and changing dining habits are hitting everyone hard.
Red Lobster in Hot Water
In a shocking development this May, Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy, closing nearly 100 locations.
![Daytime view of a Red Lobster restaurant exterior featuring the brand's logo and a sign advertising fresh fish and live lobster, set against a suburban backdrop](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/c5d98987-untitled-design-49.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This massive shutdown signals deep troubles within the seafood dining sector, mirroring challenges across the industry.
The California Wage Crunch
Over in California, the recent hike in minimum wage to $20 per hour for fast food workers is putting extra strain on chains like Mod.
![Interior view of an In-N-Out Burger restaurant showing staff in white uniforms and red caps busily preparing food and serving customers](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/715d19e6-untitled-design-50.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This significant increase is part of larger economic shifts that are testing the survival of many restaurant operations.
The Closing Bell Tolls for Pizza Hut in Indiana
Just this June, 15 Pizza Hut locations in Indiana closed abruptly, leaving employees and patrons in shock.
![Traditional Pizza Hut restaurant exterior with the distinctive red roof, a branded sign, and a quiet parking area, surrounded by greenery](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/07/f0de6670-untitled-design-51.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A broader conflict threatens a further 129 locations across Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, illustrating the fragile nature of the franchise model.