WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US casual dining chain TGI Fridays filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US state of Texas on Saturday, the company said in a statement.

The bar and grill chain — known for serving hamburgers, chicken wings and signature cocktails — said its dozens of restaurants in the United States and abroad will remain open to customers while the company uses the restructuring process to “explore strategic alternatives to ensure the long-term viability of the brand”.

TGI Fridays Inc, which filed for bankruptcy, owns and operates 39 restaurants in the United States.

Not included in the Chapter 11 process are 56 TGI Friday franchise locations in the United States and 40 other countries, which are independently owned, the firm said.

“The next steps announced today are difficult but necessary actions to protect the best interests of our stakeholders, including our domestic and international franchisees and our valued team members around the world,” Executive Chairman Rohit Manocha said in the statement.

Manocha said the COVID-19 pandemic and the company’s capital structure were the main reasons for its financial problems.

“This restructuring will allow our future restaurants to continue with an optimized corporate infrastructure that allows them to reach their full potential,” he said.