CHICAGO – A pizza company alleges a former franchise has violated an agreement by operating a shop with a similar menu.
Aurelio's Is Pizza Franchise LTD filed a complaint on Nov. 13 in Cook County Circuit Court against North Side Pizza Guys LLC, Richard Cavanaugh, George Vassos, David Trandel, Stonestreet Partners LLC and the Lexington Group Inc. alleging breach of franchise agreement and other counts.
According to the complaint, between Sept. 24, 2014, and Oct. 8, 2017, North Side was a franchise of plaintiff Aurelio's and the defendants agreed not to directly or indirectly compete with plaintiff for a period of two years within 5 miles of an Aurelio's.
However, the plaintiff alleges around Oct. 24, North Side began operation under the name Jam Pizza and allegedly sells items that are similar to the pizzas and menu items offered by the plaintiff.
As a result, Aurelio's claims it has suffered irreparable harm for the alleged violations of the agreement.
The plaintiff seeks preliminary and permanent injunction, award of damages, attorney fees and costs, and other further relief. It is represented by Ian H. Fisher and Gillian G. Lindsay of Hahn Loeser & Parks LLC in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 18-CH-14157