Foxwood's David Burke restaurant files lawsuit against R.I. resort
Foxwoods' David Burke Prime is suing a Rhode Island resort, alleging the resort's steakhouse is damaging its brand and finances.Summary
David Burke Prime, a restaurant at Foxwoods, has filed a lawsuit against Preserve Sporting Club and Resort in Rhode Island, claiming the resort’s steakhouse, Double Barrel Steak by David Burke, is negatively impacting its business. The lawsuit alleges that chef David Burke agreed not to associate his name with any restaurant within 25 miles of Foxwoods, but the Preserve resort opened Double Barrel Steak only 19 miles away.
According to the complaint, Double Barrel Steak has received negative reviews and customer complaints, and some diners mistakenly believed it was affiliated with David Burke Prime, requesting compensation for poor experiences. David Burke Prime experienced a significant decline in financial performance after Double Barrel Steak opened, despite years of profitability. The lawsuit further details how the Preserve resort intentionally mimicked the design and menu of David Burke Prime to create the impression of a connection to the celebrity chef.
The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort denies the allegations, calling them “unfounded” and promising a vigorous defense. A separate lawsuit against Burke is already pending in New York regarding the original settlement agreement. The plaintiffs are seeking at least $10 million in damages.
(Source：The Boston Globe)