A bunch of well-known Northwest brands – like Bamboo Sushi, Sizzle Pie, Water Avenue Coffee and Rudy’s Barbershops – were bought up during the pandemic by Sortis Holdings, a company that positioned itself as a savior for businesses that were struggling.

But now, Sortis Holdings has had to call off a big transaction, disputes over unpaid bills have spilled into courts, and it’s laying off staff.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices