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Springfield Today
By the People, for the People
Thai Express Closes After Asset Seizure and Owner's Bankruptcy
Owner vows to reopen, but no timeline set as restaurant faces financial distress and legal issues.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Thai Express, a popular restaurant in Springfield, Missouri, has closed after its assets were seized on February 18th. The closure follows the owner, Patrick Nett, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in early February 2026 amid a string of lawsuits against the business. Nett says he intends to reopen the restaurant as soon as possible, but does not have a set timeline.
Why it matters
The closure of Thai Express highlights the financial challenges facing small businesses, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. The restaurant's struggles with high-interest loans, lawsuits, and asset seizure raise concerns about the vulnerability of local establishments to economic pressures and legal disputes.
The details
According to the owner, Patrick Nett, Thai Express had been under financial distress since opening, leading Nett to take out high-interest "shark loans" to keep the restaurant afloat. This financial burden, combined with unexpected delays and circumstances out of their control, ultimately resulted in the asset seizure and Nett's bankruptcy filing. The property owner, J and L Investments LLC, had previously filed a lawsuit against Nett and Thai Express in October 2025, alleging default on payments and potential eviction.
- On February 18, 2026, Thai Express' assets were seized.
- In early February 2026, Patrick Nett filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
- In October 2025, J and L Investments LLC filed a lawsuit against Nett and Thai Express.
The players
Patrick Nett
The owner of Thai Express who filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and says he intends to reopen the restaurant as soon as possible.
J and L Investments LLC
The property owner that filed a lawsuit against Nett and Thai Express in October 2025, alleging default on payments and potential eviction.
What they’re saying
“I do not want to comment on the legal aspect of that matter. This will probably cause a lot of questions and confusion, but yes I intend to continue operating and reopening at some point. Hopefully soon, but I don't have a timeline.”
— Patrick Nett, Owner, Thai Express (Daily Citizen)
“From a combination of unexpected delays, and circumstances out of our control, the restaurant was in financial distress, and we almost couldn't even open our doors. I resorted to taking out what I call 'shark loans' specifically known as Merchant Cash Advances that put our business in quite a financial disaster. Just over the past few years, we're talking 6 figures in interest alone.”
— Patrick Nett, Owner, Thai Express (Facebook)
What’s next
The judge in the bankruptcy case will decide on the next steps for Thai Express and Patrick Nett's efforts to reopen the restaurant.
The takeaway
The closure of Thai Express highlights the financial vulnerabilities facing small businesses, especially those that resort to high-interest loans to stay afloat. This case underscores the need for greater support and protections for local establishments struggling with economic pressures and legal disputes.
