In a dramatic legal confrontation, a patron of an Evanston restaurant has filed a lawsuit against the establishment's owner, alleging assault and battery over a dispute about tipping. The complaint was lodged by Vladimir Esteen in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on May 7, 2025, naming Kenny Chou and WNK, Inc., doing business as Table To Stix Ramen, as defendants.
According to the complaint filed by Esteen's attorney, Daniel J. Voelker of Voelker Litigation Group, the incident occurred on April 19, 2025. Esteen claims that after paying for his meal at Table To Stix Ramen in cash and leaving the premises, he was followed by Chou along Davis Street in Evanston. Chou allegedly demanded a larger tip while brandishing an object that appeared to be intended as a weapon. Esteen asserts that despite repeatedly asking Chou to cease his pursuit and harassment, Chou continued to threaten him with physical harm if he did not comply with his demands for additional money.
The lawsuit details a series of aggressive actions taken by Chou against Esteen. It alleges that Chou feigned calling the police to intimidate Esteen into giving more money and verbally assaulted him with profanities and threats of violence. The situation escalated when Chou allegedly attempted to knock Esteen's phone from his hand and physically attacked him by body-slamming him to prevent recording of the altercation. As a result of these actions, Esteen claims to have suffered both physical injuries and emotional distress.
Esteen's complaint includes three counts: assault against Kenny Chou, battery against Kenny Chou, and respondeat superior against WNK, Inc., holding them liable for their employee’s conduct under this legal doctrine. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for each count along with punitive damages aimed at deterring future misconduct by Chou. Esteen also requests interest and costs associated with the case.
Representing Vladimir Esteen is attorney Daniel J. Voelker from Voelker Litigation Group based in Chicago. The case is presided over by Judge Mariyana T. Spyropoulos under Case ID 2025L006047.