NY Chain Sues Wine Bar In Lake View, Alleges 'Copycat' Design

CHICAGO, IL — A New York restaurant chain is suing the owners of Lago Wine Bar in Lake View. The suit was filed last week in Illinois on behalf of Passon & Passon Corp. The group alleges that Lago Wine Bar copied the menu and design of its wine bars.

Passon & Passon Corp owns six Italian restaurants and wine bars in New York. The lawsuit alleges that former employees Lauras Grigaliunas and Andrea Soldini copied nearly "every single design detail and element" in their Lake View wine bar.

The lawsuit also claims the menu is nearly identical to those of the New York locations, which all share similar dishes and designs.

Lago Wine Bar could not be reached for comment Wednesday; however Grigaliunas told the Chicago Tribune that he believes the lawsuit is a result of a misunderstanding. He said he discussed Lago Wine Bar with Passon & Passon's owners before it opened, and claims they didn't have issues with it, the Tribune reported. Grigaliunas said he believes the issue will be cleared when he speaks to the owners, according to the report.

The lawsuit demands that Lago hand over its profits to Passon & Passon, and cease to operate.

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