Gino & Marty’s Avoids Eviction Amidst Mounting Debt and Legal Challenges

WEST LOOP — Gino & Marty’s, a once-popular Italian restaurant in Chicago’s Fulton Market, has successfully avoided eviction after reaching a settlement with its landlord. However, the restaurant remains entangled in a web of financial and legal issues, including unpaid wages, outstanding debts, and a lawsuit from an investor.

Restaurant’s Rise and Fall

Gino & Marty’s opened in 2022 at 844 W. Randolph St., quickly becoming a hotspot for influencers and celebrities, including Kevin Hart, Kevin Durant, and Megan Thee Stallion. The restaurant quietly closed this summer, with owner Gino Bartucci announcing plans to reopen the space under a modern concept, featuring a “completely redesigned interior” and an expanded dining area.

Financial and Legal Troubles

Despite plans for a revival, Gino & Marty’s accumulated over $400,000 in unpaid debts, rent, and taxes. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has similarly filed a lawsuit against the restaurant for allegedly failing to pay employee wages.

Eviction Case Dismissed

An eviction case against That’s Gino & Marty’s LLC was dismissed on March 4th after a settlement was reached with the landlord. The agreement allows the restaurant to remain at its current location in exchange for full payment of $137,866.21 in back rent. Bartucci confirmed the rent had been paid.

Liquor License Issues and Future Plans

Reopening the restaurant as a dining establishment would require Bartucci to reestablish the state liquor license, which expired on June 30th. The restaurant reportedly operated without a valid state liquor license for several weeks before closing, allegedly substituting cheaper alcohol for premium brands.

Bartucci stated that he is “still assessing the best avenues and strategies moving forward,” with several options under consideration.

Additional Legal Battles

Beyond the wage lawsuit and eviction proceedings, Bartucci is facing a separate legal challenge from an investor who alleges that $25,000 in investment funds were misused and that access to financial records was repeatedly denied. Bartucci claims the allegations are directed towards a former partner who is no longer involved in the business.

Upcoming Court Date

Gino & Marty’s is scheduled to appear in court on March 26th regarding the lawsuit filed by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Bartucci claims to have already resolved wage claims with many former employees, with one remaining claim involving allegations of fraud.