Who is to blame for the 2020 closure of Hamburger Mary’s? Richard Reuben, the attorney for defendant Chuck Pfoutz, argued that the primary factors were Covid and the controversy surrounding the firings of legendary entertainers Alexis Principle and Krista Versace, which resulted in protests outside the restaurant.
Pardue argued that Pfoutz’s negative reviews were to blame, and, according to Reuben, sought $325k in damages. The divided jury awarded Pardue $25k, with three jurors refusing to sign off on the award. In a city known for having the highest jury awards in the nation, the relatively paltry sum was notable, but still a win for the aggrieved Pardue.
Reuben plans to appeal, and to file an Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress claim against Pardue, so the 5-year Hamburger Mary’s saga is far from over.
Pfoutz was all smiles as he headed home to Florida this morning, taking it all in stride.