Future of major Applebee’s franchisee with more than 50 locations across the South in doubt after bankruptcy

An Atlanta‑based franchisee that operates 53 Applebee’s restaurants across the US South filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday in federal court as the chain’s company may take control of the business.

The company, Neighborhood Restaurant Partners, which runs locations across Alabama, Florida and Georgia, reported assets of $1 million to $10 million and liabilities of $10 million to $50 million, including more than $13 million owed to Equity Bank.