Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Report: Landlord and partner sues Root & Bone chefs for spending profits

Chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, who run Root & Bone on Third Street at Avenue B, face a lawsuit for allegedly using $286,500 in profits from the Southern-themed restaurant for personal ventures, according to multiple published reports.

The lawsuit was filed by Richard Freedman, their business partner who also owns the building. He claims that the chefs, who live above the restaurant, spent some of the Root & Bone profits on a $135,000 apartment renovation and side projects such a like-minded pop up in Puerto Rico.

Per the Daily News:

"McInnis and Booth have assured Mr. Freedman that the restaurant is 'doing fine' but that it was not making much, if any, profit," the suit says.

McInnis, however, said the matter is nothing more than "bookkeeping confusion.”

“There's really no validation of any kind of lawsuit. I wish the guy the best," McInnis said.

And...

Freedman seeks an order that McInnis and Booth have violated their lease. He also seeks damages to be determined at trial.

Eater has published a copy of the 17-page complaint here.

The restaurant opened in June 2014.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Mama's Food Shop closes after 15 years; 'the community nature of the neighborhood has all but vanished'

Rumors: 'Top Chef' alum Jeff McInnis will help revamp former Mama's Food Shop space

Root & Bone announces itself on E. 3rd St.
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13 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 9, 2017 at 2:23 PM

    Is this the place that has the long-winded descriptions of sandwiches?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bobwhite is betterAugust 9, 2017 at 4:26 PM

    No its the place that cooks everything in sweet tea. Highly meh

    ReplyDelete
  3. sophoclesAugust 9, 2017 at 6:58 PM

    Chefs had a good deal. an apt. and a restaurant downstairs. The Complaint is rather vague about what they supposedly did.

    ReplyDelete
  4. IzFAugust 9, 2017 at 8:35 PM

    Bobwhite is better. Duh.

    ReplyDelete
  5. GiovanniAugust 9, 2017 at 8:59 PM

    I'm sure the courts will get to the Root of exacty who is getting Boned here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousAugust 10, 2017 at 1:02 AM

    This place stiffed me on my dinner check. Added a few extra $$$ in tips. I know it sounds petty but if they skimmed me who knows how often this is done.

    Fried chicken & mac 'n cheese was good though...

    ReplyDelete
  7. RonnieAugust 10, 2017 at 7:44 AM

    Gosh, makes me think of the original Mama's back in the day... had the best salmon and brussel sprouts and the best cool chill vibe before the current bottomless bruh vibe.

    ReplyDelete
  8. DrGeckoAugust 10, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    Ha ha. They eat their own.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousAugust 10, 2017 at 9:19 AM

    Thats why I avoid doing business with any reality tv people.

    ReplyDelete
  10. East Village EatsAugust 10, 2017 at 7:42 PM

    Man, I miss Mama's.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousAugust 11, 2017 at 10:37 AM

    And those garlic mashed potatoes.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousAugust 14, 2017 at 8:13 AM

    Bring back Mama's, Richard. This guy Richard always with the problems. Shoulda kept awesome Mama's instead of this corny, corny, trendy and overpriced place that brings the suburban cornballs when their parents are visiting.

    ReplyDelete

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