Starting a fast-food chain requires both hubris and a really good idea.
The history books are littered with chains that had big-name backing but failed miserably. For every Wahlburgers, the Mark and Donnie Wahlberg-owned burger chain, there are a lot more Kenny Rogers' Roasters, Flavor Flav's Fried Chicken, and Hulk Hogan's Pastamanias that got media attention and then went out of business.
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It's really hard to compete with the size, pricing, and technology advantages chains like McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King have. Everyone knows those big brands and you're rarely more than a few miles away from one of their locations.
Building something new requires a different spin on the fast-food formula that captivates the public and can't be easily incorporated by the incumbent giants. Chipotle, for example, a relative upstart in the fast food/fast casual restaurant space, offers fresh ingredients with the food prepared in front of you.
A number of successful companies including Shake Shack and Five Guys have ridden the "better burger" train to success, but the recent struggles of BurgerFi have shown that this model isn't a sure thing.
Now, another innovative burger chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and faces questions about its future.
Image source: McDonald's Japan/TheStreet
Regional burger chain struggles
Kuma's Corner has built its reputation on being bold and using heavy metal burger names and iconography.
"Kuma's Corner has been serving up the best burgers on the planet for over 18 years, with an edgy yet welcoming atmosphere," the company said on its website. "We only carry the best beer with a focus on local craft brews. Bring your friends or bring the family and enjoy what we have to offer."
The chain, a Midwestern regional favorite, has carved out its own niche.
"From the very start of Kuma’s we have focused on culinary innovation, sourcing our ingredients from local purveyors, and providing quality over cost. Everything is made in-house and never frozen," the company added.
Kuma's also serves what it calls "the best mac n' cheese on the planet," and a wide selection of what it calls "the best local craft beers.
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Its signature burgers are named after heavy-metal bands, including the Black Sabbath, which features chilli, pepperjack, red onion, and blackening spices, and the Goatsnake, with herbed goat cheese, poblano sweet corn relish, Cholula lemon vinaigrette, and buttermilk-breaded deep fried red onions
Despite its burgers and devoted fanbase, Kuma's Corner's parent has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
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Kuma's Holdings files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Parent Kuma's Holdings filed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition on June 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.
The company's president, Ron Cain, insists that his company will survive. “We are not going anywhere,” Cain told Eater.
He explained that each Kuma's restaurant is its own legal entity, so they are not covered by the holding company's Chapter 11 filing.
More bankruptcy:
- Popular movie theaters owner files Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Struggling housing brand files Chapter 7 bankruptcy, will liquidate
- Popular restaurant chain shares bad Chapter 11 bankruptcy news
The company reported $3.5 million in total liabilities in its bankruptcy filing. Kuma's Corner in recent years has toned down its concept, which has mostly meant lowering the volume of its heavy-metal and punk music in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience.
"Ron Cain is hopeful that the existing restaurants will remain viable. He even mentioned a desire to return Kuma’s to its roots and engage with the community by holding fundraisers and events," Eater reported. "[As] 2025 represents the restaurant’s 20th anniversary, there’s even talk of bringing back Kuma’s Fest."
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The company's locations remain open and will operate normally during the bankruptcy process.
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