Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it works to address mounting debt. The Kentucky-based distillery aims to continue operating throughout the restructuring process.
Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC Seeks Bankruptcy Protection
According to Pacer, Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 12. The case was filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Based in Danville, Kentucky, the family-run distillery distributes its whiskeys and bourbons across 18 states. Founder Francesco S. Viola crafts the brand’s spirits using recipes passed down from his Italian grandfather.
Francesco S. Viola Signature Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Luca Mariano Old Americana Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Luca Mariano Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Whiskey are some of its current products.
The distillery hopes to maintain operations as it navigates the Chapter 11 restructuring.
Details of the Proceedings
Court filings show Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC lists estimated assets between $10 million and $50 million. Liabilities fall within the same range, according to the filing. The filing lists between 50 and 99 unsecured creditors.
Below are more details related to the Chapter 11 filing, as shown on PacerMonitor:
- Case Number: 2:25-bk-47214
- Filing Date: November 12, 2025
- Chapter: 11
- Judge: Mark A. Randon (former), Paul R. Hage (reassigned judge)
- Status: Active, Voluntary Petition
Proceedings began on November 12 when the company filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition, paying a $1,738 fee. Attorneys Ernest Hassan, Charles D. Bullock, and Elliot G. Crowder from Stevenson & Bullock, P.L.C., are offering legal representation to the distillery in this case.
The court ordered the distillery to submit required bankruptcy documents by November 26. These include Declaration under Penalty of Perjury for Non-Individual Debtors, Schedules A-J, Statement of Attorney for Debtor(s) F.R.Bankr.P.2016(b), Statement of Financial Affairs, Statement Regarding Authority to Sign and File Petition, and Summary of Assets and Liabilities.
Apart from these, the Chapter 11 plan and Disclosure Statement of Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC are due by March 12, 2026.
On November 12, the distillery business submitted the bankruptcy petition cover sheet and list of creditors who have the 20 largest unsecured claims and are not insiders. Additionally, the lawyers of Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC filed notices saying who represents them.
The Kentucky business further filed a Motion for Joint Administration of Lead Case 25-47214 with the current 25-51472. The company requested court approval to streamline case management.
Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC then sought permission to borrow money/use cash to continue operations during the bankruptcy. It did so by filing a Motion for Authority to Obtain Credit Under Section 364(b), Rule 4001(c) or (d), followed by a Chapter 11 First Day Motion to Use Cash Collateral (with Cover Sheet).
After this, the bankruptcy court of the Eastern District of Michigan ordered the reassignment of the judge for Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC. Citing process facilitation, the court instructed the clerk to transfer the case from Judge Mark A. Randon to Judge Paul R. Hage.
The distillery then sought approval to retain Stevenson & Bullock, P.L.C., as bankruptcy counsel.
The bankruptcy court then set a November 14 hearing at 2:00 PM for first day motions related to the latest case. This hearing will take place in Courtroom 1925, 211 W. Fort St.
David Baker, a restructuring expert, submitted a declaration on behalf of the Kentucky business to support its First Day Pleadings in the Chapter 11 case. Luca Mariano Distillery, LLC then requested the bankruptcy court’s permission to hire Aurora Management Partners’ David Baker as its Chief Restructuring Officer.
Farm Credit Leasing Services Corporation and Keystone Industrial, LLC, two unsecured lenders in the case filed a Notice of Appearance on November 12. Following this, the Kentucky-based distillery filed a Certificate of Service, which covers docket numbers 6, 7, 10, and 11.
LMD Holdings, LLC, which is an interested party, submitted a Notice of Appearance and Request to formally engage in the case.
As the Chapter 11 process advances, the outcome will determine the distillery’s ability to sustain operations and future growth.
