SouthRock said in a statement that with the approval, it will continue to restructure operations with the aim of protecting employees and customers, while it intends to keep operating stores as normal. The bankruptcy protection process includes its Starbucks and TGI Fridays stores, as well as some restaurants located in airports, SouthRock later said. Stores from sandwich-maker Subway and Italian food chain Eataly, brands also exclusively operated by SouthRock in Brazil, are not part of the bankruptcy protection, SouthRock added. The firm operates about 140 Starbucks stores in Brazil and nine TGI Fridays, according to a list of restaurants on its website. In a statement, Starbucks said SouthRock directly manages and operates store development, retail operations, supply chain and staffing across Brazil.