Armstrong Middle School Property Headed to Sheriff’s Sale Amid Financial Struggles
In a turn of events reminiscent of a soap opera, the old Neil A. Armstrong Middle School property and its surrounding 35 acres, acquired by Boston Market owner Jay Pandya in 2020, are now facing a Bucks County Sheriff’s Sale. This follows the June 13th Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by 2201 Street Rd LLC, an entity controlled by Pandya.
Raised in Bensalem and a Bensalem High School alum, Pandya’s acquisition of the property was a long one, taking about four years. He eventually purchased the property from Bensalem Township for over $7 million and also made a $150,000 donation to the school district for the development of a new ball field near Cecelia Snyder Middle School. Additionally, Pandya spent over a million dollars in fees to extend the contract while drawing up development plans the township would approve.
2020 was also the year Pandya purchased Boston Market and Corner Bakery, however, Pandya’s financial troubles have been extensive.
He filed for personal bankruptcy late last year. Boston Market had two Chapter 11 petitions dismissed this year, with the latest including a six-month ban on filing another Chapter 11 petition. In May of last year the restaurant’s headquarters in Denver were seized to recoup $328,592.34 in unpaid sales and payroll taxes, the property was later returned. The unpaid taxes had been accumulating for over a year.
Corner Bakery was sold early last year after declaring bankruptcy.
Since acquiring Boston Market, the company has faced over 140 lawsuits in three years, predominantly for unpaid bills.
Notably, US Foods sued Boston Market in July of last year. The company’s failure to respond to the lawsuit by the end of October led US Foods to seek summary judgment, resulting in an $12 million award.
Boston Market has also encountered several wage and hour violations and has been shuttering locations since early 2023.
Restaurant Business reports that the chain, once boasting about 300 restaurants, may now be down to just 27, according to various unnamed sources and employees.