Who’s Really in Charge? Governance, Control, and Voting Rules for Restaurant Owners
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 middle of a heated argument. Manager-Managed vs Member-Managed LLCs For LLCs, you must decide: + Member-managed: All members have the authority […]
How to Split the Pie: Equity, “Sweat” Ownership, and Investors in Restaurant Deals
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 you don’t define who owns what — and why — you’re setting yourself up for resentment and litigation later. […]
The Restaurant Operating Agreement: 10 Clauses That Prevent Partner Disaster
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 weren’t written with an NYC restaurant in mind. Here are ten clauses every restaurant operating agreement should address. 1. […]
Choosing the Right Entity for Your NYC Restaurant: LLC, Corporation, or Something Else?
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 later. Too often, owners rush to form an LLC online and hope for the best. That can work…until it doesn’t. This guide […]
Comprehensive Asset Protection Strategies for New York Restaurant Owners: Shielding Against Wage and Hour Liability and Beyond
As a restaurant owner in New York, you face complex financial and legal challenges that go beyond typical business risks. Along with operational responsibilities, you are personally exposed to employment-related claims, including wage and hour disputes, one of the most common legal threats in the hospitality industry. When you also own real estate, your personal […]