The owner of upscale steakhouse chain 801 Chophouse has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to restructure its finances while continuing to operate the restaurant chain, the Des Moines Register reported.
Kansas-based 801 Restaurant Group filed for bankruptcy April 10 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas, listing assets and liabilities between $10 million and $50 million, according to PacerMonitor.
Chapter 11 debt restructuring
A Chapter 11 filing allows a company to reorganize its debts under court supervision, rather than liquidate. This means the group intends to continue to operate its restaurants, pay staff and serve customers while negotiating with creditors on revised terms.
Claims against the company include more than $3 million in lease guarantees and approximately $1.8 million owed to the US Small Business Administration.
Operations continue in key markets
Despite the financial restructuring, the company maintains operations in its key locations. 801 Chophouse currently operates in several cities, including Denver, Des Moines, Kansas City, Leawood, Minneapolis, Omaha, St. Louis and Tysons Corner.
Founded in 1993 in Des Moines, the brand is known for serving premium cuts of beef, including prime USDA and Wagyu steaks, along with an extensive wine list and upscale dining experience.
The Minneapolis closure raises questions
The bankruptcy filing comes with the closing of a newer concept, 801 on Nicollet, in downtown Minneapolis. The restaurant, which opened in November 2025, closed less than six months later with notices citing unspecified “extenuating circumstances”.
The group also previously operated an associated restaurant under the 801 Fish brand in the city.
The strategy is moving towards core concepts
The decision to close newer businesses and keep established locations open suggests a strategic shift toward consolidation around proven, high-performing restaurants.
The Des Moines flagship location remains a key anchor for the brand as it undergoes a restructuring process.
The cause of the financial burden is unclear
The company did not disclose the specific reason for its bankruptcy. However, the Chapter 11 process is expected to include negotiations with creditors and court hearings, with a key proceeding scheduled for May 2026.
The restructuring will determine how the restaurant group will manage its debt while trying to stabilize operations in a competitive dining market.
