Giordano’s pizza chain files bankruptcy

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Updated: April 27, 2011 10:57AM

Giordano’s, a name synonymous with Chicago-style pizza, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Giordano’s operates three Lake County locations at 1388 S. Route 12, Fox Lake; 7105 Grand Ave., Gurnee; and 455 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Nationwide, more than 40 outlets operate either as company-owned stores or franchised locations, according to a petition Giordano’s Enterprises filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Chicago on Wednesday.

The firm also operates Americana Foods Inc., a commissary business responsible for most of the food products bought by the Illinois locations. Its real estate arm, Randolph Partners LP, owns 12 restaurant buildings leased to four of the company-owned locations, two of the joint-venture locations and six of the franchised locations.

Bankruptcy Court Judge Eugene Wedoff granted the company’s request to maintain its bank accounts and operations in order to limit disruptions at the popular operation.

Owners John and Eva Apostolou bought the company in 1988 and began expanding operations outside Illinois in 2005, opening shops in Florida. Giordano’s began in 1974 in Chicago.

Creditors included Saputo Cheese USA, claiming $426,700 in payments; Greco & Sons, $214,000; and Heinz North America at $132,000.