Rebecca Charles, chef/owner of the famed Pearl Oyster Bar in Manhattan, is taking her former sous-chef to court, claiming he knocked off her menu and decor for his own New York eatery. Lawyers for Charles, who is seeking unspecified financial damages, said that the owner of Ed's Lobster Bar had stolen her intellectual property, the New York Times reports.
Such claims are more common among large chain restaurants. But legal experts say that increased competition among restaurateurs and higher costs will likely lead to more suits like Charles'. Meanwhile, Ed McFarland, owner of Ed's Lobster House, said his place is no copy...and that the lawsuit "will only bring more business my way." (More food stories.)