NEW ORLEANS – Numerous wine bar franchisees across the country are suing a Baton Rouge-based franchise over an advertising dispute.
Wine Loft franchisees filed suit on February 2, 2012 in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court against Doyle Restaurant Group. The plaintiff alleges Doyle failed to spend advertising funds by the franchisees for system-wide advertising materials and campaigns. Doyle Restaurant Group was found by an independent arbitrator to have potentially withheld hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising and franchise fees. The plaintiffs are seeking to confirm an interim award provided by the arbitrator.
Damages are requested in the amount awarded by the arbitrator of $30,97.50 plus administrative and filing fees of $4,600 and an arbitrator fee of $8,139.23.
The plaintiff is being represented by attorney Michael A. Patterson of Baton Rouge.
Case number 2012-01026 has been assigned to Division L Judge Kern A. Reese.
Wine Loft franchisees sue franchise parent over advertising fees
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