Ohio-based brunch chain files for bankruptcy, closes nearly 75% of locations

A well-known Midwestern brunch restaurant chain has filed for bankruptcy after years of expansion followed by a wave of location closures.

Taste of Belgium announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 6, 2026, a move the company says is intended to stabilize the business while continuing operations.

The filing comes after the company significantly reduced its footprint in recent years amid rising costs and shifting dining habits.

A Cincinnati concept that grew from a waffle stand

Taste of Belgium was founded in 2007 by Belgian native Jean‑François Flechet. The concept began as a small waffle stand inside Findlay Market in Cincinnati, where Flechet served traditional Liège-style waffles inspired by recipes from his home country. 

The concept quickly gained popularity and expanded into full-service restaurants known for dishes such as chicken and waffles, crepes and Belgian beer. During the 2010s, Taste of Belgium became one of Cincinnati’s most recognizable brunch destinations. 

At its peak, the company operated about 11 restaurants across Ohio and Kentucky, building a loyal regional following. 

Closures shrink footprint to three restaurants

Over the past two years, however, the company has closed eight locations, including its flagship Over-the-Rhine restaurant that helped fuel the brand’s growth. -+

Today, only three Taste of Belgium locations remain open, all in the Cincinnati area:

• Rookwood
• The Banks
• Findlay Market 

Company leaders say the bankruptcy filing is part of a court-supervised restructuring designed to help the restaurant group adapt to industry challenges.

Industry pressures reshape restaurant sector

Like many restaurant operators, Taste of Belgium cited several pressures behind the restructuring, including lingering effects from the pandemic, inflation, declining downtown foot traffic and high delivery service commissions. 

Despite the filing, the company says customers should see little immediate change, with the remaining restaurants continuing to operate while the business reorganizes its finances.