WHAT WE DO
The restaurant and hospitality industry operates in a complex legal environment with unique challenges including regulatory compliance, public exposure, operational pressures, and complex ownership structures. Legal disputes in this industry can quickly impact operations, reputation, and profitability, making experienced legal representation essential.
At The Pettit Law Firm, we understand that hospitality businesses need more than just legal expertise – they need advocates who understand the industry’s operational realities, the importance of brand protection, and the need for efficient dispute resolution that minimizes business disruption.
Contact UsIndustry-Specific Legal Challenges We Handle:
- Complex lease disputes
- Partnership and ownership disputes among investors
- Vendor and supply chain contract disputes
- Franchise agreement conflicts and territorial disputes
- Construction and renovation disputes
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCES
Secured emergency access for local restaurant wrongfully locked out – Quickly restored business operations through strategic legal action protecting tenant rights and preventing revenue loss
Successfully defended trade show company in hotel contract dispute – Achieved favorable settlement for corporate event organizer against hotel’s claims for cancellation fees and facility damages, protecting client from excessive liability
Won summary judgment for franchisor against franchisee claims – Successfully defeated franchisee’s various allegations through dispositive motion practice, achieving complete victory without trial for franchise company client
Extensive experience in hospitality industry litigation throughout Texas representing restaurants, hotels, bars, and entertainment venues in complex business disputes
Real Estate and Lease Litigation: Restaurants and hotels often face complex real estate issues that can threaten their locations and operations. We handle lease disputes with landlords, development conflicts, property management disagreements, and location-specific legal challenges that affect hospitality businesses.
Partnership and Ownership Disputes: The hospitality industry frequently involves complex ownership structures, investor relationships, and partnership arrangements. We represent restaurateurs, hoteliers, and investors in partnership conflicts, buyout disputes, governance disagreements, and profit-sharing disputes that can threaten business continuity.
Vendor and Supply Chain Disputes: Reliable vendor relationships are critical to hospitality operations. We handle contract disputes with suppliers, service providers, and vendors, addressing performance issues, delivery problems, and supply chain conflicts with practical, results-oriented strategies that protect ongoing operations.
Franchise Litigation: For both franchisors and franchisees, we provide sophisticated representation in disputes involving franchise agreements, territorial rights, operational standards, brand compliance, and termination issues that affect franchise relationships and business operations.
Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Hospitality businesses face extensive regulatory requirements including health codes, liquor licensing, labor regulations, and safety standards. We help resolve compliance disputes and defend against regulatory enforcement actions.
Brand and Reputation Protection: Understanding that litigation can impact public reputation and brand value, we work strategically to resolve disputes while protecting our clients’ public image and business relationships.
Operational Continuity Focus: We recognize that hospitality businesses cannot afford prolonged operational disruptions. Our approach emphasizes efficient dispute resolution that allows businesses to continue serving customers while protecting their legal rights.
Our combination of litigation expertise, industry knowledge, and business pragmatism makes us valuable partners for restaurants and hospitality companies navigating complex legal challenges in today’s competitive marketplace.
FAQs
Litigation can impact operations through court proceedings, discovery demands, and potential injunctions. We work to minimize operational disruption and protect your public reputation while aggressively pursuing your legal rights.
Partnership disputes require immediate legal attention to protect your ownership rights and business interests. We can review your partnership agreements, assess your rights, and pursue strategies to protect your investment.
Lease termination options depend on your specific lease terms and the nature of needed repairs. We can analyze your lease, assess available remedies, and pursue the best strategy for your situation.
Franchise termination threats require immediate response to preserve your rights. We can review the franchise agreement, assess the validity of termination grounds, and defend your franchise rights through negotiation or litigation.
Supply chain disputes require careful handling to avoid operational disruption. We can pursue contract remedies, seek emergency court relief if necessary, and negotiate solutions that protect your business continuity.
Wrongful eviction requires emergency legal action to protect your business. We can seek immediate court intervention, challenge improper eviction procedures, and pursue damages for business disruption.
Potential damages include lost profits, business interruption losses, costs of alternative arrangements, and in some cases punitive damages. We work to identify and pursue all available remedies for business losses.
Alternative dispute resolution can be effective for hospitality businesses seeking to avoid public litigation and operational disruption. We can advise on the best approach based on your specific situation and business goals.
Contact Us
Want to talk about your case?
Email jpettit@pettitfirm.com
Or contact us at:
The Pettit Law Firm
1900 Pearl, Suite 1740
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.329.0151
Fax: 214.329.4076