If you thought 2025 was a rollercoaster of going-out-of-business sales and restaurant failures, buckle up for 2026, because it’s already off to an inauspicious start. A number of big businesses have already filed for bankruptcy this year, and that trend is expected to continue throughout the year. Here’s a running list of companies that have already declared bankruptcy in 2026, and what it might mean for you.
ARC Burger, Hardee’s Franchisee
ARC Burger, a Hardee’s franchisee that runs 77 locations across 9 states, filed for bankruptcy in April. It comes amid a legal battle with Hardee’s, which sued ARC Burger in November 2025 for $6.5 million in unpaid royalties, rent, and other fees. By…