Former Moe's franchisees file fraud suit vs. Raving

Nation's Restaurant News,  April 2, 2007  

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Los ANGELES -- Three former Southern California franchisees of Moe's Southwest Grill are suing the fast-casual chain's Atlanta-based franchisor, Raving Brands, and seeking $3.9 million in punitive and compensatory damages for alleged fraud, violations of state franchise investment laws and unlawful trade practices.

The plaintiffs are K&A Ventures LLC, owned by Keith and Larry Franklin, and single-unit operators Norman Kaplan and Douglas Wall.

In a separate lawsuit filed last year and still pending, Raving Brands was accused of misrepresentation and breach of contract by more than 40 franchisees of its Mama Fu's Noodle House brand in six states.

Raving Brands' president and chief operating officer, Stephen LaMastra, said the company would not comment on pending litigation. The franchisor also owns the Monkey Joe's, PJ's Coffee, Flying Biscuit, Planet Smoothie, Boneheads Grilled Fish and Piri Piri Chicken, Doc Green's Gourmet Salads, and Shane's Rib Shack brands.

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