The Restaurant Operating Agreement: 10 Clauses That Prevent Partner Disasters
The Restaurant Operating Agreement: 10 Clauses That Prevent Partner Disasters By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law An operating agreement (for an LLC) or shareholders’ agreement (for a corporation) is where you and your partners decide how the relationship really works. Without it, New York’s default rules step in — and those rules […]
How to Split the Pie: Equity, “Sweat” Ownership, and Investors in Restaurant Deals
How to Split the Pie: Equity, “Sweat” Ownership, and Investors in Restaurant Deals By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Restaurant deals almost always involve some mix of: A chef or operator contributing sweat and expertise, One or more money partners, and Maybe a landlord, advisor, or brand partner in the background. If […]
Choosing the Right Entity for Your NYC Restaurant: LLC, Corporation, or Something Else?
Choosing the Right Entity for Your NYC Restaurant: LLC, Corporation, or Something Else? By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law For a New York City restaurant owner, the entity you choose isn’t just a formality — it affects your taxes, personal liability, fundraising options, and even how easily you can sell or expand […]
90 Days Before Filing: A Pre-Bankruptcy Planning Checklist for New York Restaurant Owners
90 Days Before Filing: A Pre-Bankruptcy Planning Checklist for New York Restaurant Owners By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Most restaurant bankruptcies are won or lost before the case is ever filed. The 90 days leading up to a filing are critical for New York restaurant owners: the moves you make (or […]
Subchapter V for Restaurants: A Streamlined Chapter 11 Option for New York Owners
Subchapter V for Restaurants: A Streamlined Chapter 11 Option for New York Owners By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Traditional Chapter 11 can feel out of reach for many independent and small‑group New York restaurants: it’s complex, time‑consuming, and expensive. Subchapter V, a relatively new part of Chapter 11, was designed to […]
Buyout Options for Divorcing Restaurant Owners
Buyout Options for Divorcing Restaurant Owners By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Introduction: Divorce can be especially complicated for restaurant owners, as it often involves not just dividing personal assets but also making tough decisions about the future of the business. When one spouse is entitled to a share of the restaurant, […]
Protecting Your Restaurant’s Future: Estate Planning Considerations During Divorce
Protecting Your Restaurant’s Future: Estate Planning Considerations During Divorce By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Introduction: For restaurant owners, divorce isn’t just about dividing assets—it’s about protecting the legacy you’ve built and ensuring the future of your business remains secure. Amidst the emotional and financial challenges of a divorce, estate planning often […]
Estate Planning Essentials for NYC Restaurant Owners
Estate Planning Essentials for NYC Restaurant Owners By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Running a restaurant in New York City is demanding, but planning for the future is just as crucial as daily operations. Without a solid estate plan, a restaurant owner risks legal disputes, unnecessary taxes, and business instability in case […]
Business Succession Planning for Restaurant Owners: Protecting Your Legacy
Business Succession Planning for Restaurant Owners: Protecting Your Legacy By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law For restaurant owners, business succession planning is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition of ownership while protecting the legacy of their establishment. Whether the goal is to pass the restaurant to family, sell to a trusted partner, […]
How to Handle a Business Divorce Between Restaurant Partners
How to Handle a Business Divorce Between Restaurant Partners By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Introduction: Just like personal relationships, business partnerships can sometimes come to an end. For restaurant owners, parting ways with a business partner—often referred to as a business divorce—can be an emotional and financially complex process. Disagreements over […]