Winn-Dixie parent company Southeastern Grocers will close 94 stores — including three in Central Florida — and file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization as it tries to save its struggling grocery business, the company announced Thursday afternoon. The Florida-based company issued a statement Thursday announcing plans to implement a "prepackaged restructuring agreement" including the decision to close 94 "underperforming stores." The restructuring would reduce overall debt levels by more than $500 million and help the Jacksonville, Florida-based company invest more in its business, Southeastern said, adding that it would continue to operate 582 stores. We will continue to thrive with 582 successful stores in operation and will continue to deliver a store experience our associates, customers and communities can count on.”

Southeastern said it will file its Chapter 11 petitions in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware by the end of March.
Southeastern Grocers announces a plan to file for bankruptcy and close 94 of its locations.