WASHINGTON (TNND) — One of Popeyes’ largest franchisees is collapsing, which could close 20 restaurants. Sailormen Inc., a Miami-based operator that runs 136 Popeyes locations, filed for Chapter 11 protection on Jan. 15, 2026.
The company cited a mix of rising inflation, declining customer numbers, and mounting debt as the reason to file for bankruptcy.
In January alone, 17 Popeyes restaurants closed in Florida and Georgia as a result of the bankruptcy process. However, an additional court filing on March 10, revealed three more restaurants in Georgia.
Records show that Sailormen began having problems with paying bills as far back as 2022.
A 2023 sale of 16 locations throughout Georgia fell through, hurting the business’s cash flow. The company had tried in 2025 to sell 32 additional locations in the Jacksonville, Florida area. Though, that deal did not lead to any agreements.
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The company had also been sued by a number of vendors due to unpaid bills.
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