Not So Fast . . .

From Cincinnati.com

The Business Courier reported today that Martin Wade, who owns the Relish Group of restaurants, has sent JeanRobert de Cavel a letter reminding him of a non-compete agreement he signed.

I confirmed the story with Wade. According to him, deCavel agreed that he wouldn’t open a restaurant within a 120-mile radius for a year after leaving the group (which used to be called the JeanRobert French Retaurant Group. .Wade says the year hasn’t even started yet, because the partnership was never completely dissolved. DeCavel’s name is still on the liquor licenses, and so, says Wade, the chef still owns 20% of JeanRo Bistro, Local 127, Greenup Cafe and Chalk. “How can I move on if he’s still part owner?” he said, and pointed out that deCavel’s new restaurant is opening as direct competition. “His restaurant is right in between two of mine: his address is 713 Vine. Ours are 413 Vine and 1211 Vine.” Plus he plans to open December 1, right at the beginning of the holiday season.

He says the dispute could end up in court. “It’s a terrible shame.”

DeCavel says he’s disappointed that Wade took this dispute public, that he would rather it was handled by their lawyers. “We should be willing to work these things through ourselves instead of in public. “