Longstanding franchise operator, Friendly Franchisees Corporation (FFC), which has more than 65 Carl’s Jr sites in California, has filed a Chapter 11 notice in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California.

Founded in 1986 and led by founder and CEO Harshad Dharod, FFC also describes itself as a real estate investor. The filing was made under the names of FFC’s subsidiaries, comprising DFG Restaurants, Senior Classic Leasing, and Second Star Holdings.

Now operating as a debtor-in-possession, according to court documents, FFC and its subsidiaries will continue to manage their locations while its claim is analyzed.

The CKE Restaurants-owned brand Carl’s Jr has more than 3800 locations worldwide; Inside Retail understands that CKE maintains the bankruptcy notice is not a reflection on the performance of the Carl’s Jr brand. 

At the same time, CKE says its wider Carl’s Jr operations will not be affected by the news.