The Little Mint, Inc. the company that owns and operates Hwy 55 Burger Shakes & Fries (Hwy 55) restaurants, filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Eastern District of North Carolina on Dec. 31, 2024. 

The company expects to use the time and legal protections made available through the Chapter 11 restructuring process to allow them to explore strategic alternatives in order to ensure the long-term viability of the brand. 

The Little Mint, Inc. has filed motions with the Bankruptcy Court that, when approved, will allow them to continue its customer programs in the normal course. They also intend to use the proceedings to drive operational improvements and simplify the business as a result of recent store closings.

The Little Mint, Inc. has 22 corporate-owned restaurants and has franchised the brand to 71 franchisees. The majority of the restaurants are located throughout the Southeast.

All franchisee locations are independently owned and are open and serving customers as usual.

The company’s restaurants will remain open and operating as usual during the Chapter 11 process, continuing to provide hand-pattied burgers and cheesesteaks to their customers.

Hwy 55 Burger Shakes & Fries has eight locations across the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal coverage area including in Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Dunn, Lillington, Lumberton and Clinton. 

"The primary driver of our financial challenges resulted from costs and labor shortages associated with COVID-19, which unfortunately coincided with our brand expansion. This restructuring will allow our restaurants to continue to serve our beloved customers in towns and communities through the United States and support our hardworking employees. I have never been more excited about the future of this company," said President of The Little Mint, Inc. Kenney Moore in a press release. 

The Little Mint, Inc. has contracted the legal services of  Hendren, Redwine & Malone, PLLC. 

The case is currently pending before the Honorable Joseph N. Callaway and administered under case number 24-04510- 5-JNC.

Additional information, including claims information, can be found here.