California-based restaurant chain operator files for bankruptcy as it blames state’s brutal wage laws — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/california-based-restaurant-chain-operator-files-for-bankruptcy-as-it-blames-state-s-brutal-wage-lawsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. Outback Steakhouse Franchisee Cerca Trova Files for Bankruptcyhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/california-based-restaurant-chain-operator-files-for-bankruptcy-as-it-blames-state-s-brutal-wage-lawshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/california-based-restaurant-chain-operator-files-for-bankruptcy-as-it-blames-state-s-brutal-wage-laws#u185503Sun, 08 Nov 2026 09:32:04 +0000San Diego-based Cerca Trova Restaurant Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Wilmington, Delaware, seeking relief from a $449 million debt burden. Operating 61 Outback Steakhouse locations primarily in California, the company blamed soaring labor costs, expensive food prices, and declining customer traffic for the financial collapse. The filing marks another severe blow to California's battered restaurant industry, following widespread store closures across the state and nationwide.Why it mattersThe bankruptcy filing highlights ongoing financial pressures within the restaura