New York, NY – Sticky’s, a beloved New York-based fried chicken chain, may soon shut down all of its locations permanently as it battles through financial and legal challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The popular eatery, known for its crispy drumsticks and loyal fanbase, has been serving customers for over 12 years. However, the pandemic’s devastating impact on New York City’s foot traffic proved to be a major blow for the business. According to Men’s Journal, Sticky’s dependence on in-person dining and walk-in customers left it particularly vulnerable during the extended shutdowns and reduced restaurant activity.
Unable to recover, Sticky’s filed for bankruptcy in 2024. In a recent attempt to reduce its financial burden, the company sought to modify its bankruptcy filing to lessen payments owed to administrative creditors — a bid that was ultimately denied, according to Bloomberg.
In a last-ditch effort to stay afloat, Sticky’s received a $2 million acquisition offer from Harker Palmer Investors, which included a commitment to take on a portion of the company’s debt. However, that potential deal now faces legal opposition. A U.S. Trustee from the Department of Justice raised objections, citing concerns that Harker Palmer would be granted excessive legal protection if sued in the future.
Sticky’s has since warned that if the deal with Harker Palmer falls apart, it will be forced to shut down all of its remaining restaurants for good.
The timeline for any potential closures remains unclear, and further developments in the bankruptcy proceedings are still pending.
For now, the future of Sticky’s — once a go-to destination for fried chicken lovers in NYC — hangs in the balance.
