North Food Polska, operator of North Fish restaurants, filed for bankruptcy in Kielce on January 30, 2026, after losing financial liquidity.
Bankruptcy Filing
North Food Polska, managing the North Fish restaurant chain, filed for bankruptcy with the Regional Court in Kielce on January 30, 2026. The decision followed loss of financial liquidity and marks one of the most significant collapses in recent Polish gastronomic history. Legal proceedings are early, but could lead to the closure of over 40 locations and hundreds of job losses.
Company Overview
North Food, present in Polish shopping malls for over two decades, manages the North Fish brand specializing in seafood and the John Burg burger concept. Currently employing nearly 500 people, its restaurants operate in major cities including Łódź, Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań.
Financial Crisis Causes
The immediate cause was the inability to meet financial obligations, a prerequisite for bankruptcy under Polish law. Financial problems worsened gradually, with the 2024 financial report showing deteriorating results and falling revenues. Maintaining operations was possible only through owner loans. Macroeconomic factors included rising energy, raw material, and wage costs, with seafood price increases adding pressure.
North Fish Expansion
North Fish began in 2002 with a Kielce mall location, expanding to major cities and adding formats like North Fish Plus. The network has about 40 locations in Poland. An international attempt in 2021 opened a London mall outlet, but expansion plans did not materialize. The John Burg burger concept, aimed at reducing seafood dependency, had minimal revenue impact.
Owner Profile
Controlled by Vienna-based MS Galleon GmbH, owned by Poland’s richest man, Michał Sołowow, with an estimated wealth over 28 billion złoty. Born in 1962, Sołowow built his career in chemicals, building materials, and recently energy. His interests include nuclear energy projects and media investments.
Market Impact
The bankruptcy risks 500 jobs and affects mall owners and suppliers. Financial instability threatens wage and supplier payments. Reflecting broader sector struggles post-COVID and high inflation, declining mall foot traffic and online ordering have weakened food court models. A court decision could end the 20-year-old North Fish brand in Poland.