Dee Willies, LLC has voluntarily commenced bankruptcy proceedings. The San Antonio-based restaurant and catering business currently faces a gap between its assets and liabilities. In addition, it has obligations toward several unsecured creditors.
Note: A Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is a legal process that allows a business to reorganize its debts, restructure obligations, and continue operating while working toward financial stability. Under Chapter 11, a debtor typically proposes a plan to repay creditors over time, subject to court approval. A Chapter 11 filing does not necessarily mean a business is closing or going out of business. For additional information, readers are encouraged to contact the business directly.
Dee Willies, LLC Files for Chapter 11
Case records, as available on PACER, show that the debtor submitted its petition on August 12, 2026. Authorized representative Derrick Willis signed the petition prior to the filing.
The records show that Dee Willies, LLC is categorized as a small business debtor and has decided to proceed using a Subchapter V filing. Subchapter V is a streamlined Chapter 11 process designed for eligible small businesses.
The debtor’s official website shows that it currently operates as a Texas-style barbecue restaurant. Offerings include brisket, turkey, chicken, spare ribs, sausage, and pulled pork. The website also adds that it provides catering services.
Highlights from the Petition
Court records show that Dee Willies, LLC submitted a list of creditors with the largest unsecured claims. These include Small Business Administration, Can Capital, Internal Revenue Service, Redwood Loans, Danny Espinoza, and others. The total sum of all the unsecured claims is around $688,100.
Court filings indicate that funds will be available for distribution to the unsecured creditors.
Attorney William R. Davis, Jr of Langley & Banack, Inc. is representing the company in the proceedings.
Other details from the Chapter 11 petition are summarized here:
- Filing Date: August 12, 2026
- Court and Jurisdiction: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas
- Type of Filing: Active, Voluntary Petition
- Chapter: 11, Subchapter V
- Case Number: 26-52240-mmp
- Estimated Assets: Between $50,001 and $100,000
- Estimated Liabilities: Between $500,001 and $1 million
- Estimated Creditors: 1-49
A Rising Trend of Bankruptcy Filings Among BBQ Operators
Amid growing financial pressures, several regional BBQ restaurants have sought Chapter 11 protection in recent months.
A barbecue restaurant in Port Saint Lucie, Florida filed for bankruptcy on July 16, 2026. Court records showed that My Brother’s BBQ, LLC faced many unsecured creditor claims, which were tied to lease payments, taxes, trade accounts, utility bills, and credit card debt.
Smoke Ring, LLC entered Chapter 11 proceedings on December 19, 2025. The petition showed that it decided to move ahead using Subchapter V. The company currently serves as the parent company of BBQ chain Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, which has been operating since 2009 through trailers, drive-thrus, and trucks.
On July 23, 2025, a Plano barbecue restaurant initiated a bankruptcy process. Case records showed that the Burnt LLC’s liabilities exceeded its assets. The debtor has been serving a range of barbecue dishes for nearly six years.
Dee Willies, LLC’s filing adds it to an expanding list of barbecue operators that have turned to bankruptcy protection. As the San Antonio restaurant moves forward in the case, it is expected to work to address its outstanding obligations.
