Skokie Restaurant Chain Files for Bankruptcy

La Rosa Pizza and several affiliated restaurants in the area have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Josephine's Restaurant Inc., the entity that owns four area restaurants including the 60-year-old La Rosa Pizza in Skokie, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company, led by President George P. Fowler, cited increased costs and post-COVID effects as the reasons for the bankruptcy filings, which also included Bluestone Evanston, Firehouse Grill, and Candlelite Chicago.

Why it matters

The bankruptcy filings highlight the ongoing financial pressures facing the restaurant industry, especially smaller independent operators, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case also raises questions about the long-term viability of some legacy local restaurants as they grapple with rising costs and changing consumer habits.

The details

According to court records, La Rosa Pizza in Skokie is nearly $100,000 in debt, though the plan is for the restaurant to remain open during the bankruptcy proceedings. The other affiliated restaurants - Bluestone Evanston, Firehouse Grill, and Candlelite Chicago - also filed for bankruptcy, with a combined debt of over $2.6 million. The company's attorney stated the bankruptcy filings were due to 'increased costs, necessitating the Debtor to obtain high interest loans, which generated frequent payments to merchant cash advance creditors, and also due to post-Covid effects'.

  • On January 20, 2026, Josephine's Restaurant Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
  • On February 9, 2026, the company's attorney will appear before a judge to enter a motion for the six bankruptcy cases to be consolidated into one jointly administered case.
  • On February 26, 2026, a 'meeting of the creditors' is scheduled to take place, where representatives for the debtor must attend to be questioned under oath.

The players

Josephine's Restaurant Inc.

The entity that owns four area restaurants, including the 60-year-old La Rosa Pizza in Skokie, and has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

George P. Fowler

The president of Josephine's Restaurant Inc. and the other debtor entities, including Bluestone Evanston, Firehouse Grill, and Candlelite Chicago.

Scott R. Clar

The attorney who represents Josephine's Restaurant Inc. and has stated that the plan is for La Rosa Pizza to remain open during the bankruptcy proceedings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“La Rosa is open and the plan is for it to remain open.”

— Scott R. Clar, Attorney for Josephine's Restaurant Inc. (Court documents)

“When the opportunity to adopt La Rosa into our family of restaurants arose, it didn't take long to make it happen. They have a hardworking staff, loyal customers, and a robust Italian menu which includes a fantastic thin-crust pizza.”

— George P. Fowler, President of Josephine's Restaurant Inc. (LinkedIn post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 9 whether to allow the six bankruptcy cases to be consolidated into one jointly administered case.

The takeaway

This bankruptcy filing highlights the ongoing financial challenges facing the restaurant industry, especially smaller independent operators, as they grapple with rising costs and changing consumer habits in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case raises questions about the long-term viability of some legacy local restaurants and the need for innovative solutions to support these community staples.