Category Archives: NYC Hospitality Industry – Legal Issues

Late Summer Lawsuits: Back Pay and Discrimination

As NYC restaurateurs approach the end of summer, a good time for reflection and rejuvenation, perhaps the following cases should be included in their summer reading lists. Mercado Little Spain – Back Pay Lawsuit It’s hard not to love Chef José Andrés. Not only is he an immensely talented chef, but the man is also a renowned humanitarian focused on

Read more

NYC Office of Nightlife

Around two years ago, Mayor Bill De Blasio signed legislation establishing the city’s first-ever Office of Nightlife. Now, restaurant and bar owners finally have a strong voice in NYC politics. By creating this office, the city has affirmed the importance of allowing NYC nightlife economies to flourish while at the same time balancing the needs of residential tenants living close

Read more

Crazy Joe and Other Mobsters Shot Dead in NYC Restaurants

The next time you hear a “Bang!” sound while finishing dessert at your favorite NYC restaurant, be thankful the noise came from a large saucepan smacking against the kitchen floor, instead of a bullet flying at your chest. Yet, for an unlucky group of the city’s most notorious mobsters, whose dinner plans took an expected twist, gunshots were the last

Read more

Liquidated Damages? What the Hell does that mean?

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest news regarding wage and hour lawsuits, then chances are you’ve come across the term “liquidated damages.” Every restaurateur should understand what these damages mean and how they are calculated. In this context, ignorance, unfortunately, does not lead to bliss. Liquidated damages is an amount of money damages established as a statutory and/or

Read more

The Accidental Franchise Problem for Restaurateurs

When most of us think of a restaurant franchise, the images of golden arches along with the sounds of “Pizza! Pizza!” stream through our minds. It’s no secret that restaurants are among the most prevalent and wildly successful franchises in the US. Just look at your local strip mall, for example. Yet, many business owners (and their attorneys) fail to

Read more

Restaurants, Please Pay your Employees Correctly (or at Least Try!)

During the last ten years, various types of pay violations have become commonplace among the restaurant industry. Even major players like B&B Hospitality Group and the Altamarea Group failed to shake off these costly lawsuits. Unfortunately for restaurateurs, such infractions come with potentially devastating consequences. And, yes, in many instances, houses are lost, and personal assets are liquidated. That is

Read more

Can NY Restaurants use CBD as an Ingredient?

Cannabidiol (CBD) laced products have been gaining popularity across the US, including New York. Yet, many people, especially food service providers, remain uninformed as to what exactly CBD is and how it will be regulated. CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant, aka marijuana, weed, herb, Mary Jane, etc. Consumer demand for CBD products has increased substantially as

Read more

The Curious World of Restaurant Leases

As a newly minted restaurateur, you should understand and appreciate the importance of gaining a tenant-friendly lease. Achieving favorable lease terms will contribute to your restaurant’s success by allowing the flexibility you need. The restaurant lease usually starts with a standard store lease, a form with which many commercial tenants and landlords are familiar. Attached to the store lease are

Read more

Alternative Ways for Restaurants to Raise Capital

Well, those lovable techies have stirred up the economic landscape yet again. And many of those in the hospitality industry in need of alternative sources of capital will surely benefit. Through crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo and GoFundMe, restaurant owners no longer must rely on traditional sources of capital (e.g., bank loans, equity sales, friends and family). Sorry, Aunt

Read more
« Older Entries