Sailormen, Inc., a prominent franchise operator of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 15, 2026. Based in Miami, Florida, the company manages over 100 locations of the well-known fried chicken chain. The voluntary bankruptcy filing aims to enable the company to restructure its operations while continuing regular business under court oversight.
The filing took place in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, with attorney Bradley S. Shraiberg representing Sailormen, Inc. in the proceedings. Judge Robert A. Mark is overseeing the case, which is expected to address the company’s financial challenges and facilitate a path forward.
Details of the Bankruptcy Filing
Sailormen, Inc. submitted a detailed 40-page petition along with a filing fee of $1,738. Preliminary estimates indicate that the company’s assets and liabilities fall between $100 million and $500 million. The firm reportedly owes between 200 and 999 creditors, according to data from RK Consultants.
The company operates approximately 200 stores, employing around 2,200 individuals and generating millions in annual sales. Beyond its franchise operations, Sailormen, Inc. also provides catering services, expanding its business footprint in the Florida and Georgia markets.
In the initial filings, several motions were submitted to the court. Shraiberg filed an emergency motion requesting approval to utilize cash collateral, crucial for maintaining operational liquidity. Additionally, attorney Samuel Hess sought to ensure the continuity of existing bank accounts and payroll obligations for employees.
Next Steps and Court Proceedings
The court has scheduled a hearing on January 21, 2026, to address various emergency motions concerning cash management and employee benefits. Attorney Jacqueline Antillon, also representing Sailormen, Inc., submitted a request for adequate protection and a hearing regarding the use of cash collateral.
As the company navigates through this challenging period, it faces deadlines for submitting additional documentation, including the Chapter 11 Case Management Summary and the Statement of Financial Affairs. These filings are due by January 29, 2026. The court has noted that some initial submissions were incomplete, highlighting the importance of timely compliance with procedural requirements.
The Chapter 11 case remains in its early stages, with multiple hearings and disclosures planned in the upcoming weeks. The outcome of these proceedings will play a significant role in determining the future operations of Sailormen, Inc. as it seeks to stabilize and restructure its business under bankruptcy protection.
