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The Purple Pig's legal saga, which began in November 2014 when Scott Harris sued his business partners at the popular Michigan Avenue restaurant, has ended quietly. The parties have agreed on a settlement and scrubbed Harris' presence from the restaurant, The Cook County Record first reported.
Harris' attorney described the agreement as both confidential and amicable, according to The Record. Both sides signed off on the settlement on Feb. 23.
Tony Mantuano, Jimmy Bannos Jr. and Jimmy Bannos Sr. were all listed as defendants in Harris' initial lawsuit that accused the Bannoses of embezzling money and alleged they had fiscal problems. Harris wanted at least $1.5 million in damages, saying his partners refused to show him financial records. Two months later, Bannos Sr. would close the Rush Street location of his Heaven on Seven restaurant, but said it had nothing to do with the litigation.
Spiaggia's Mantuano (a Beard Award nominee this year for "Outstanding Chef") and the Bannoses filed a countersuit in December 2014 claiming Harris was going through his own financial woes. This led to a period of ugliness with ex-employees and others slinging dirt on both sides posting allegations on the Internet. The suit also included a reference to an infamous picture of Harris' private parts. Harris acknowledged the photo, saying he's known the Bannoses for more than 25 years and they shared in this sort of jocular activity.
Harris, known for his Francesca's restaurants, has since opened a Mexican spot in suburban Frankfort called Fat Rosie's.
