Boathouse Oyster Bar, Inc. has voluntarily filed for bankruptcy protection. The Destin, Florida-based seafood restaurant and oyster bar has several unsecured creditor claims listed in court records. Court records, however, have not specified a reason for the filing.
Note: Chapter 11 allows businesses to reorganize their debts while continuing operations under court supervision. Boathouse Oyster Bar, Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 subchapter V, which provides a streamlined Chapter 11 process for qualifying small business debtors. A Chapter 11 filing does not necessarily mean that a business is closing. For additional information, readers are encouraged to contact the business directly.
Boathouse Oyster Bar, Inc. Files for Chapter 11
According to PACER records, the company filed its Chapter 11 petition on September 25, 2026. The company’s authorized representative, Melissa L. Schofield, who is also the company president, signed the petition before it was filed.
Filing records identify the company as a ‘small business debtor,’ adding that it is moving ahead using Subchapter V.
Attorney Byron W. Wright III of law firm Bruner Wright, P.A. is representing the company.
Highlights from the Petition
Case records show that Boathouse Oyster Bar, Inc. submitted a list of creditors who made the largest unsecured claims. These include Clearfund Solutions, Highland Hill Capital LLC, Florida Department of Revenue, U.S. Small Business Administration, and others.
The records hint that funds will be available for distribution to the unsecured creditors.
A summary of the Chapter 11 petition is shared here:
- Filing Date: September 25, 2026
- Court and Jurisdiction: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida
- Type of Filing: Active, Voluntary Petition
- Chapter: 11, Subchapter V
- Case Number: 26-31011-JCO
- Estimated Assets: Between $100,001 and $500,000
- Estimated Liabilities: Between $1,000,001 and $10 million
- Estimated Creditors: 1-49
About the Company
Boathouse Oyster Bar, Inc. is a 30-year-old seafood restaurant and bar located on Destin Harbor in Destin, Florida. Offerings listed on its website are oysters, gumbo, seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other menu items.
The oyster lineup includes raw, steamed, baked, and chargrilled preparations. In addition to its food menu, the waterfront venue serves beer and hosts live music.
A range of restaurants across the country have made Chapter 11 filings in the past months.
Negroni Brickell LLC submitted its petition on July 1, 2026. Case records showed that the restaurant and sushi bar operator faced unsecured creditor claims tied to trade debt and other obligations. The Miami-based restaurant serves Nikkei-inspired sushi and cocktail items.
On June 11, 2026, a Tampa dining spot turned toward bankruptcy. The petition showed that Baylie’s Square Incorporated is proceeding with a Chapter 11, Subchapter V filing. The debtor is doing business as The Grill At Morris Bridge, serving seafood, pasta items, and steaks.
Illinois-based Firehouse Grill Inc. sought bankruptcy relief on January 20, 2026. Court filings showed that the company faced a gap between its assets and liabilities. The bar & grill spot has been offering American dishes, cocktails, and craft beers over the years.
Boathouse Oyster Bar, Inc. now joins this list, reflecting a consistent financial strain facing restaurant businesses across the country.
