![]() Pisor’s attorney argued the appointment of a receiver was necessary because of “deadlock” between the two co-owners that allegedly prevents the business from running smoothly and keeping to various obligations to investors and stakeholders.īut Lasky’s attorney said he, too, has not received any cash payments from the company in an effort to be “conservative coming out of COVID-19 pandemic.” Lawyers also said Pisor he and his family’s medical insurance plans had been canceled, and that he still has not been granted access to company grounds. Pisor’s attorney argued Thursday that Pisor was in financial strain as he’s been cut off from regular cash distributions he is owed as a co-owner. Insurance, has cleared his name, saying no action was needed because there was no legitimate claim. Pisor has repeatedly denied the allegations and said an internal investigation by Maple & Ash’s insurance company, Gallagher & Co. But Lasky said he was forced to act because there were allegations Pisor acted inappropriately toward staffers, according to court documents obtained by Block Club. In the original lawsuit filed in April, Pisor accused Lasky of trying to push him out of What If Syndicate. The legal battle involving the co-owners has been ongoing for months, resulting in dueling lawsuits and two restaurants within the empire closing. Maple & Ash is one Chicago’s most sought-after reservations, attracting the city’s see-and-be-seen crowd with bold decorations, loud music, a strict dress code and steaks costing up to $180. Pisor would love for things to move quickly, he appreciates that the court is moving deliberately toward a hearing examining all the facts and documents.”Īn attorney for Lasky declined to comment. Grant on the witness stand, under oath,” Lazar Raynal, an attorney for Pisor, said in a statement to Block Club Chicago. “We’re pleased the court sees the need for an evidentiary hearing. As co-owners, Lasky and Pisor oversee all decisions in company operations Grant is not named in the lawsuit. Pisor, Lasky and Danny Grant, the restaurant group’s executive chef and partner, each own a 31 percent stake in the company. The next major step in the legal saga is a preliminary injunction hearing where both sides will present evidence in front of a judge. Pisor requested “no less than $500,000” and “no less than $10,000 per week until further order of the Court,” according to court documents.Ī judge denied those requests in a hearing Thursday, citing a lack of evidence. ![]() Pisor also asked for monetary relief, saying he’s been locked out of the company and has not been paid since March. The investors listed are from Maple & Ash’s Chicago and Scottsdale locations, and claim damages could be at least $10 million. It also operates restaurants in California, Texas and Arizona.Ī receiver would have neutrally managed the company’s assets as it heads into another lawsuit filed June 27 by nine investors demanding Pisor and business partner James Lasky turn over financial records for the restaurants. RIVER NORTH - The battle to control the Maple & Ash empire continues as a judge denied a co-owner’s request for more than $500,000 in payments and different management of the embattled company.Ĭo-owner David Pisor filed two emergency motions in Cook County Circuit Court seeking to have a court-appointed receiver put in charge of What If Syndicate, the restaurant group that includes high-end Gold Coast steakhouse Maple & Ash and wood-fired-food spot Etta in Bucktown and River North.
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