"The original location in Bucktown was supposed to be just the beginning of global expansion. Barbecue sandwich-focused Pork & Mindy’s, which combined partner and Food Network star Jeff Mauro’s big-time name recognition with an army of deep-pocketed investors, had ambitious plans to populate the globe with fast-casual restaurants. But after opening a few locations in the city and in Mariano’s grocery stores, plus announcing a few others would open soon, the bottom fell out. First, after delaying the openings of some coming-soon locations, many diners wondered if they would happen at all. Then warning bells sounded when the original location closed in August, although the company announced plans to turn it into a private event space and training center. Finally, less than three months later the death knell arrived in the form of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Sometimes fame and money don’t lead to successful restaurant chains." - Daniel Gerzina
