Hawkers Asian Street Fare, a restaurant chain in Orlando, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This move is intended to keep control of the business and protect its brand while dealing with a dispute with a financial lender. This development was confirmed in a statement released by the company as per ClickOrlando. The lender, unnamed in the documents, has been accused by Hawkers of attempting to take over the company's operations. This situation has evolved over the past 60 days, although the company claims it has stayed current on all its debt obligations since the partnership's onset.
The bankruptcy filing, intended to allow for uninterrupted operations and vendor payments, coincides with a period of growth for Hawkers, which reported an 18.5% sales increase in 2023 and saw its brand expand to 15 locations across seven states despite the varied market conditions they and other businesses faced, as alerted to the public via a statement reported by Orlando Weekly. As a significant player in the local restaurant scene since 2011, when the first location opened, Hawkers has become part of a movement that has shifted the culinary landscape, signaling a menu offering and a broader influence on regional dining habits.
Besides its financial maneuvering, Hawkers is actively releasing new dishes as part of its fall menu, including curry mash, Penang poutine, Vietnamese "goi ga" salad, and chili crisp cucumbers. The curry mash has already garnered positive reactions at the initial tastings, as noted by patrons and conveyed through Orlando Weekly's food coverage.
The company's leadership, including CEO Kaleb Harrell, maintains a positive outlook on the future, aiming to reach an agreeable resolution with the said lender. As detailed by Orlando Weekly, they have expressed their sincere desire: "We look forward to welcoming guests for their Hawkers favorites for decades to come." Their firm resolve is evident not only in their legal approach but also in their growth plans. They are determined to overcome current challenges and make the Hawkers brand a vital part of the American food scene.
