Navigating Financial Challenges: The Case of Matadoor's Restructuring and Bankruptcy
Explore the financial challenges faced by Matadoor, a Del Taco franchisee, and how they navigated restructuring and bankruptcy.
Understanding Matadoor's Financial Struggles
Matadoor, a prominent Del Taco franchisee, recently faced significant financial challenges that ultimately led to the company's decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The issues began when Newport Ventures, the previous owner of 18 Del Taco locations in Colorado, declared bankruptcy, prompting the closure of all restaurants in February. Del Taco subsequently took over the ownership of these units, reopening 17 locations in late June.
The Impact on Del Taco and Matadoor
Del Taco, as a whole, has been grappling with declining same-store sales, with a notable decrease of 3.6% in fiscal Q2 2025. This decline was even more pronounced in franchised same-store sales, down by 4.2%, and company-owned units, which saw a 1.7% decrease. These challenges within the Del Taco network directly affected Matadoor, exacerbating its financial situation.
Cash Flow Problems and Loan Accumulation
In an attempt to address its cash flow issues, Matadoor resorted to taking multiple merchant cash advance (MCA) loans. However, the terms of these loans, including high fees, effective interest rates, and aggressive payback schedules, deepened Matadoor's financial woes. The company ended up accumulating a total of approximately $2.7 million in loans from nine different creditors.
Legal Consequences and Chapter 11 Filing
The inability of Matadoor to meet its MCA obligations resulted in creditors claiming an interest in the company's future sales and accounts receivable. Some creditors took legal action by filing UCC-1 financing statements, establishing priority over Matadoor's assets. As a last resort, facing mounting debts and operational constraints, Matadoor made the decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to halt collection efforts and initiate a reorganization process.
Repercussions Across Sister Companies
Matadoor's financial turmoil also had implications for its parent company, which owns Red Door Pizza, Red Door Sandwich, and Maverick Restaurant Group. These entities, operating various quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands such as Little Caesars, McAlister’s Deli, and Arby’s, followed suit by filing separate Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions. The financial difficulties experienced by Matadoor directly influenced the decision-making within the parent company's portfolio of brands, highlighting the interconnectedness of the business's financial health.
