Ham’s files for bankruptcy; Danville location to remain open

Ham’s Restaurant in Danville will stay open although Ham’s Restaurants Inc. has filed for bankruptcy.

The company, which expanded from the original restaurant in Greensboro, N.C., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Oct. 22, citing the down economy for the past couple years as a reason.

“Ham’s main priority at this time is to keep its employees working, along with continuing to serve the communities we have been a part of for many years,” company owner Charlie Erwin said in a news release.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows companies in debt to reorganize their business structure — and typically — to remain open.

“There are no plans to close our Danville location,” Amanda Jones, marketing coordinator, said via e-mail. “Our guests won’t notice any changes and can continue to enjoy the great food and service that Ham’s of Danville provides to the community.”

All community events will go on as scheduled.

More than 1,000 salaried and hourly employees work for the company, which started in 1935. The company currently owns 14 restaurants operating in Virginia and North Carolina.