NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Papa Gino's restaurants in North Adams and Pittsfield escaped closure this weekend as their troubled parent company prepared to sell to an equity investment firm.
More than 50 Papa Gino's pizzerias — largely in the eastern and central part of the state — were shuttered abruptly over the weekend with reports of employees showing up for work to locked doors and no explanations.
On Monday, the pizzeria's parent company PGHC Holdings Inc. announced an agreement in principle to sell to Wynnchurch Capital, a private equity investment firm that would strengthen the company's finances.
"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will ensure a long and prosperous future for these iconic New England restaurants," said Corey Wendland, chief financial officer in a press release. "For some time, we have been pursuing a plan to strengthen our financial footing and secure capital for investment in our restaurants, while also addressing our significant debt load. We are confident that the agreement with Wynnchurch achieves all of those goals."
At the same time, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it pursues the sale, which will include soliciting competitive bids under Chapter 11 rules. The court would have final determination on the sale. Wendland said t his would allow PGHC to invest in its current restaurants and expand.
Numerous media sources reported Sunday that a third of the company's 150 restaurants were closed as well as another 45 or so D'Angelos Grilled Sandwiches Restaurants. In all, PGHC said it closed 95 "underperforming" restaurants in total. Another 100 Papa Gino's and 78 D'Angelos will remain open.
The first Papa Gino's opened in 1961 in East Boston; it is now headquartered in Dedham. It is the official pizza of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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