Bombshell: Scott Harris Suing Bannos Sr., Jr., Mantuano and More at Purple Pig

Here's something you don't see everyday. Scott Harris, owner of the Francesca's Restaurant empire, filed a massive lawsuit last week against Jimmy Bannos Jr., Sr., Tony Mantuano, another partner and a manager at the always-bustling The Purple Pig, alleging a litany of offenses that must be read to be believed: embezzlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars, destroying employee timecards, a kickback scheme and much more, according to Crain's.

The report also states that the partners froze Harris out and that Bannos Sr. owed nearly $294,000 in unpaid taxes in February. The bombshell comes on the heels of Jimmy Bannos Jr.'s James Beard Award in May.

No one implicated in the suit is willing to comment. Stay tuned for more on this developing story and the status of one of Chicago's busiest restaurants; and do send tips to chicago@eater.com.

UPDATE: The spokesperson for Jimmy Bannos Sr., Jr., Tony Mantuano and the other defendants in the suit provided the following short statement: "This is a subject of litigation. We have no comment at this time, except we expect to defend and dispute these false accusations."

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