In a dramatic legal showdown, the co-founder of a popular Italian restaurant chain is embroiled in a lawsuit against his business partner, accusing him of breaching fiduciary duties and misappropriating company resources for personal gain. The complaint was filed by Angelo Sannino and Rione Villa, Inc. on November 19, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Gianni Chiloiro and ChefGianni.com Inc.
The roots of this dispute trace back to October 9, 2013, when Sannino and Chiloiro formed Doppio Zero, LLC as equal partners. Their partnership was initially harmonious with each taking on distinct roles: Sannino managed the "front of the house," focusing on customer experience and culinary excellence, while Chiloiro handled "back-office" operations like finance and legal matters. However, tensions escalated when plans to expand Doppio Zero into Southern California were thwarted by Chiloiro's alleged ulterior motives. According to the complaint, Chiloiro diverted these expansion efforts to establish his own restaurant chain named Nardo at locations originally scouted for Doppio Zero.
Sannino accuses Chiloiro of using Doppio Zero's resources—including its business office and intellectual property—to develop Nardo restaurants without consent. This alleged breach not only violates their operating agreement but also constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty owed to Sannino as an equal member-manager. The complaint further alleges that Chiloiro unilaterally made management decisions without consulting Sannino, effectively sidelining him from crucial business operations.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for these breaches. They also demand the establishment of a constructive trust over Nardo restaurants to recover profits derived from what they claim are wrongful acts by Chiloiro. Additionally, they seek declaratory judgments to ensure full access to financial records and prohibit unilateral management decisions by Chiloiro in the future.
Representing the plaintiffs is Gregory Cavallo from Romano Law PLLC. The case is presided over under Case No. 24CV452178 in the Superior Court of California.