Breaking Bad actor’s barbecue restaurant files for bankruptcy

A “Breaking Bad” has filed for bankruptcy to help save the historic California restaurant he owns.Dean Norris and his wife, Bridget, have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the Swing Inn Cafe on September 25 through its business entity, Main Street Eeeatery LLC, according to court documents reviewed by Patch. The filing lists nearly $1.8 million in liabilities and just $147,810 in assets.Norris, 63, who played DEA agent Hank Schrader on the hit crime drama starring Bryan Cranston, and his attorney wife, Bridget, took over the 99-year-old Temecula, California, restaurant in August 2022. They transformed the longtime eatery into a barbecue restaurant that also serves breakfast, hoping to give back to the city they had called home for more than 20 years.The filing does not necessarily mean the restaurant will close permanently. Chapter 11 allows businesses to restructure their debts while continuing to operate.'Breaking Bad' star Dean Norris and his wife, Bridget, who took over the historic Temecula restaurant Swing Inn Cafe in 2022, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 25 through their business entity, Main Street Eeeatery LLC (Google Maps)The filing lists $1.57 million in secured debt owed to Byline Bank, making it the restaurant’s largest reported obligation, The U.S. Sun reports. The business also cited what it described as a “predatory loan” structure as a reason for seeking bankruptcy protection.The restaurant has a history dating back nearly a century. It opened in 1927 as Mother’s Cafe and underwent several name changes over the decades before becoming Swing Inn Cafe. It remains a fixture in Temecula’s Old Town district, attracting fans hoping to meet Norris, who appears to visit regularly, according to the restaurant’s social media.The financial troubles come as Norris also mourns the death of his former “Breaking Bad” co-star RJ Mitte, who died by suicide Monday. Mitte’s character was Norris’ nephew on the show. Dean Norris and his wife, Bridget, bought the 99-year-old Swing Inn Cafe in August 2022 (Getty)“Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ I am heartbroken,” Norris wrote online. “Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set.”“He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family,” Norris added.If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you