Giuseppe Montalto, a seasoned chef and manager, is embroiled in a legal battle over a promised partnership in a local restaurant. On October 7, 2024, Montalto filed a complaint against Taso Konstantinos in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida. The lawsuit accuses Konstantinos of breaching an oral contract and unjustly enriching himself at Montalto's expense.
According to the complaint, Giuseppe Montalto was offered a 25% ownership stake in Treviso Pizza and Grill by Taso Konstantinos. This offer was made in exchange for Montalto's extensive experience as a chef and his management services. Despite the absence of a written agreement, Konstantinos allegedly introduced Montalto as his partner to customers and employees and even made such representations on social media. Relying on these promises, Montalto took on the role of head chef, managed the restaurant independently for over six months, increased its profitability, and handled staffing decisions.
However, things took a turn when Konstantinos abruptly terminated Montalto's involvement with Treviso Pizza and Grill. This termination not only ended Montalto's salary but also stripped him of his promised ownership interest. The complaint states that this action left Montalto without other lucrative opportunities he had foregone based on Konstantinos' assurances.
Montalto's lawsuit outlines several counts against Konstantinos. The first count alleges the formation and breach of an oral contract where Montalto was supposed to receive both a weekly salary and a 25% partnership interest in Treviso Pizza and Grill. By terminating these agreements unilaterally, Konstantinos is accused of causing significant financial harm to Montalto.
The second count highlights detrimental reliance; it claims that Montalto reasonably relied on Konstantinos' promises which led him to decline other competitive offers as a chef. This reliance resulted in substantial damages including loss of income from both salary and partnership interest.
Lastly, the third count focuses on unjust enrichment. It argues that Konstantinos benefited from Montalto’s reputation and culinary skills which enhanced the restaurant’s sales without compensating him as initially promised.
In response to these grievances, Giuseppe Montalto seeks judgment against Taso Konstantinos for damages exceeding $50,000 along with costs associated with the case. He also demands restitution for any benefits retained by Konstantinos due to his efforts at Treviso Pizza and Grill.
Representing Giuseppe Montalto is attorney David J. Papa from Papa Injury Law located in Clearwater, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-004464-CI under Judge Ken Burke’s jurisdiction within Pinellas County Circuit Court.