Get Out. Now!

Memphis-based Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc. said Monday that the company, which owns the Perkins and Marie Callender’s chains, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  The restructuring prompted both chains to close restaurants Sunday afternoon — including 31 Marie Callender’s in eight states.

The closures were so sudden, some diners were forced to leave while they were still eating.

“We apologize for that,” Perkins & Marie Callender’s corporate spokeswoman Vivian H. Brooks said. “It is a difficult situation.”

We can only hope that the bum-rushed customers weren't expected to pay for their meals.

“Our customers will continue to receive the highest quality products and dining experience they have come to expect from our restaurants,” Trungale said in a prepared statement.

Nothing says "quality dining experience" like being thrown out of the dump in a sudden & barely announced closure on a Sunday afternoon, does it?

Brooks said the company intended to shut down restaurants in a “sensitive way,” which is why restaurants were asked to close between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday — normally a slow time of the day for dining.

She apologized to those who were “disturbed” while eating.

They couldn't stay open until regular closing time, which appears to be Sunday at 2200 or 2300 in most L.A.-area locations? Looks as if upper management incompetence is again to blame. Kill the managers!

In addition (1452PDT 14 June 2011): A Mocker.