Guy Fieri's Chicken Guy! restaurant sued by winner of chef's game show
Philadelphia-based chef Kevin Cooper filed the lawsuit in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Friday, June 27, against Fieri's brand, Chicken Guy LLC, and Earl Enterprises, LLC, owned by Fieri's business partner and Planet Hollywood CEO and founder, Robert Earl.
After being declared the winner of the show in February 2022, Cooper alleges the "enforceable contract" he entered, which included a guaranteed $100,000 first-year salary and a Chicken Guy! franchise, was breached by Fieri's and Earl's companies, the complaint obtained by USA TODAY reads.
In addition to the six-figure first-year salary and franchise, Cooper was supposed to receive a build of of the space for the franchise, operational expenses if they exceed the revenue of the franchise in the first year, a waiver of franchise fees and a $10,000 stipend for legal fees for the franchise, according to complaint.
Cooper is requesting a $100,000 judgment for guaranteed minimum salary and a court order requiring Fieri's and Earl's companies to pay $68,933.26 in expenses.
USA TODAY contacted Chicken Guy! and Fieri's reps on Wednesday, July 2, but has not received a response.
Chicken Guy!: The restaurant and its origins
According to the Chicken Guy! website, the restaurant was "hatched from the minds" of Fieri and Earl in 2018, with both men having the vision to "take crispy, juicy chicken, elevate it with bold brines and fresh herbs, and pair it with a wide range of signature sauces."
"Together, (Fieri and Earl) created a dining experience that brings big-time flavor, saucy personality, and chicken done right to the fast-casual scene," according to the website. "And that's how the Chicken Guy! Story began—one crave-worthy tender at a time."
The first Chicken Guy! location opened at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to 19 locations in cities and states across the U.S., with "new locations joining the flock each year," the company's website says.
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.
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