A Texas financier has purchased the bankrupt Etta restaurant group for $4 million, with plans to expand the Chicago brand nationwide. Johann Moonesinghe, 41, CEO and co-founder of Austin-based restaurant fintech startup inKind, completed the acquisition April 16, according to court filings, setting the table for Etta to pay off its secured creditors, emerge from bankruptcy and focus on its acclaimed flame-kissed fare. Launched in 2018, Etta’s hearth-centric menu of pizza, grilled meats and other offerings was an instant hit, spawning far-flung spinoffs. But more recently, the small restaurant group has been embroiled in an internecine ownership battle and financial struggle. Tap on our bio link to read more. —— Photo 1: Johann Moonesinghe, 41, is seen at Etta’s Bucktown restaurant in Chicago, April 29, 2024. Photo 2: The Etta restaurant on West North Avenue in Chicago is seen April 29, 2024. ? Robert Channick / Chicago Tribune ? Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune

A Texas financier has purchased the bankrupt Etta restaurant group for $4 million, with plans to expand the Chicago brand nationwide.

Johann Moonesinghe, 41, CEO and co-founder of Austin-based restaurant fintech startup inKind, completed the acquisition April 16, according to court filings, setting the table for Etta to pay off its secured creditors, emerge from bankruptcy and focus on its acclaimed flame-kissed fare.

Launched in 2018, Etta’s hearth-centric menu of pizza, grilled meats and other offerings was an instant hit, spawning far-flung spinoffs. But more recently, the small restaurant group has been embroiled in an internecine ownership battle and financial struggle.

Tap on our bio link to read more.

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Photo 1: Johann Moonesinghe, 41, is seen at Etta’s Bucktown restaurant in Chicago, April 29, 2024.

Photo 2: The Etta restaurant on West North Avenue in Chicago is seen April 29, 2024.

? Robert Channick / Chicago Tribune
? Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune