On February 4, 2025, Buffalo Business First reported that that Erie County Supreme Court Judge Deborah Chimes ruled to dismiss breach of contract and fraud claims brought against Chef's Restaurant, along with Louis Billitier and his sister Mary Beth. 

The lawsuit rose from a restaurant deal that did not come to fruition, and sought $575,000 in compensation for the deal that fell through

In large part, the judge sided with Chef's, a Buffalo institution for more than 100 years, dismissing most of the key elements of the lawsuit, leaving just two in place. 

“That claim still survives at the moment, but everything else is gone,” said David Elibol of Gross Shuman PC, who represents Chef’s and the Billittiers in the suit. “Everything else is gone – Mary Beth is out, Chef’s is out, any fraud claims are gone and all the other contract claims — that’s all gone. … I’m pleased the court saw it the way we did.”

David H. Elibol is the Managing Attorney of Gross Shuman P.C. Mr. Elibol Elibol focuses his practice on business contracts and litigation, including shareholder disputes, business divorce, and contract disputes. He has successfully represented individuals and businesses in jury and non-jury trials and in other proceedings in both state and federal court. He can be reached at 716-854-4300 ext. 201 or [email protected]