Building a Bulletproof Entity Structure for Your Multi-Unit Restaurant Group
Building a Bulletproof Entity Structure for Your Multi-Unit Restaurant Group By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law A Practical Framework for NYC Restaurant Owners Growing a restaurant group in New York isn’t just about finding the next great location or perfecting your menu. It’s about building a legal foundation that protects what you’ve […]
Workout, Wind-Down, or Chapter 11: Choosing the Right Restructuring Path for New York Restaurants
Workout, Wind-Down, or Chapter 11: Choosing the Right Restructuring Path for New York Restaurants By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law When your restaurant is struggling, it’s natural to ask: “Do I really need to file bankruptcy?” The honest answer is – not always, but it’s often times either the best (and only) […]
The Restaurant Letter of Intent: Locking in Your Deal Terms Before the Lawyers Fight Over the Lease
The Restaurant Letter of Intent: Locking in Your Deal Terms Before the Lawyers Fight Over the Lease By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law The Letter of Intent (LOI) is where you set the business deal. The lease is where the lawyers argue over the details. If the LOI is vague or one-sided, […]
Before You Sign Anything: Site Selection, Zoning, and Building Issues for NYC Restaurants
Before You Sign Anything: Site Selection, Zoning, and Building Issues for NYC Restaurants By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law In New York City, picking the wrong space can kill a restaurant before the first plate leaves the pass. The rent might be “fair,” the block might be hot, and the landlord might […]
Who’s Really in Charge? Governance, Control, and Voting Rules for Restaurant Owners
Who’s Really in Charge? Governance, Control, and Voting Rules for Restaurant Owners By Andreas Koutsoudakis, Partner | Hospitality and Restaurant Law Many restaurant disputes boil down to one question: “Who gets to decide?” Is it the chef? The money partner? The majority owner? The answer should be in your governance structure — not in the […]
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 […]
Hellenic Lawyers Association 35th Annual Scholarship Dinner Gala
Hellenic Lawyers Association – 35th Annual Scholarship Dinner Gala Pictured L to R: Joseph Diego Taylor (DHC), Georgia Paliogiannis of Chan Vitanza LLP (formerly Wilson & Chan, LLP), Andreas Koutsoudakis (DHC), Deidre M. Baker (DHC), Aphrodite Hepheastou (DHC), Nicole Valasiadis, (DHC), Charles Capetanakis (DHC) November 22, 2025 – Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP is proud […]