In addition to the 13 stores it already has received court approval to close, Belle Foods LLC is now seeking permission to sell 12 stores following its bankruptcy filing earlier this month.

As part of its restructure, the Birmingham, Ala.-based grocery chain plans to sell 10 Alabama stores—mostly in the Mobile area—and two Mississippi stores.

Stores that Belle Foods is seeking permission to sell include locations in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Mobile (five—South University, Old Shell Road, Dauphin Island Parkway, Dauphin Street, Government Street), Saraland, Theodore and Athens, Ala., and Meridian and Columbus, Miss.

The sale of the stores would leave Belle Foods with 32 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Prior to its bankruptcy filing, the company operated 57 locations.

On July 9, Belle posted on its Facebook page: “It was recently reported that Belle Foods filed for Bankruptcy. It is true that the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection on Monday, July 1. While the term bankruptcy has a strongly negative connotation, we want to assure you that our family-owned company will emerge from this as a stronger and healthier organization—an organization that will be even better able to serve you and your family and the communities in which we operate. Our company will be making many changes in the coming months as a result of this court ruling, but we want to assure you of the things that will not change at Belle Foods:

• The vast majority of our stores will remain open.

• Each store will continue to offer great selection, friendly service, and low prices.

• Store specials, promotions, and coupons will be available in the weekly flyers and online.

• Belle Foods will continue to be a family-centered company.

“We want to thank all of our loyal customers as well as our faithful employees for their support during this important time in our company’s growth.”