Wine Loft files for bankruptcy

The Wine Loft restaurant in the SouthSide Works said it will continue normal operations, as its owner reorganizes debts under bankruptcy protection for the second time in two years.

This week's Chapter 11 filing by The Wine Loft Pittsburgh Inc. in Bankruptcy Court is a step to disassociate the company from its original franchisor, Doyle Restaurant Group, spokeswoman Suzi Neft said Wednesday. The Wine Loft opened in 2008. Court records indicate a previous bankruptcy filed in July 2009 was resolved in July 2010.

The new Chapter 11 petition estimates liabilities of up to $1 million, including $373,000 owed to First National Bank of Hermitage and a disputed $85,600 in unpaid rent.