NPC International, one of the US largest fast-food chain operators, which manages about 1.2 thousand Pizza Hut and nearly 400 Wendy's restaurants, filed for bankruptcy, CNN reported.

The decision came following the debt of nearly $ 1 billion amid the coronavirus-related shutdowns.

NPC International restaurants in 27 states employ over 40,000 people.

According to CNN, NPC's restaurants will continue to operate 'while it navigates the Chapter 11 process.'