April 1, 2025 (New York, NY) – Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP is thrilled to announce the hiring of Andreas Koutsoudakis and his team. He joins DHC Legal as a Partner and new Co-Chair of our Hospitality & Restaurant Law Group, alongside Derek Wolman. Andreas, also known as The Restaurant Lawyer, is a trusted legal advisor and litigator with a deep-rooted commitment to business owners—particularly in the restaurant, hospitality, and real estate industries. His extensive experience in navigating complex legal challenges has earned him a reputation as the go-to lawyer for restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and mid-sized businesses facing high-stakes disputes, government investigations, and compliance challenges.

Joining Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP marks a significant milestone in Andreas’s career. At DHC LLP, he will continue to focus on his core practice areas:

• Business Divorce & Commercial Litigation: Representing partners, shareholders, and LLC members in disputes over ownership rights, fiduciary duties, company control, and financial interests.
• Employment Litigation & Compliance: Defending businesses in wage and hour claims, workplace discrimination and harassment cases, and executive contract disputes, while also advising on proactive compliance strategies to minimize risk.

Andreas joins DHC Legal together with his core team – Joseph D. Taylor, Senior Counsel; Melissa Mjeshtri, Paralegal; Cindy Stamos, Legal Assistant.

In a statement, Andreas says, “I thrive on protecting and empowering business owners. Many of my clients have built their businesses from the ground up, and I understand the sacrifices, risks, and challenges they face. My role is not just about defending them in litigation—it’s about helping them proactively structure their business to prevent legal exposure, safeguard their assets, and position themselves for long-term success. I enjoy turning legal obstacles into strategic advantages for my clients.”

Taylor adds, “Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I know the sacrifice it takes to build a business. Business owners aren’t just running businesses—they’re creating brands, experiences, and legacies. But without the right legal structures in place, everything they’ve built can be at risk. My job is to make sure their business is protected from day one—whether it’s setting up a strong operating agreement, negotiating favorable vendor contracts, or defending against a lawsuit. I work side-by-side with my clients to ensure they have the right legal foundation to grow, thrive, and stay ahead of challenges.”

According to Jeffrey Citron, Co-Managing Partner and Chair of the Real Estate Law practice and Co-Chair of the Economic Development and Tax Incentives law practice at DHC, “Both attorneys will make excellent additions to our firm. They each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Restaurant and Hospitality sector. We are very excited to have Andreas and Joseph join the team.”

Andreas obtained his JD/MBA degrees from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2008, and his LL.M. in Bankruptcy from St. John’s University School of Law in 2022. Taylor obtained his JD degree from New York Law School in 2015.

For business owners seeking a trusted legal partner, Andreas provides proactive legal strategies, aggressive representation, and the support of a powerhouse legal team. At his core, Andreas isn’t just a lawyer—he’s a partner in his clients’ success, helping them fight, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing legal landscape.