The restaurant industry is an essential part of the economy in New York City. There are so many restaurants in New York City that it would take a person 22.7 years to eat at all of them. If you own one or more of the 23,000 restaurants in New York City, you understand the complexity of state and federal laws governing the restaurant industry. Failure to stay in compliance with these regulations can result in your inability to operate your restaurant for a period of time, lawsuits, or even the closure of your restaurant, which is why a business law attorney knowledgeable in restaurant law at your side is essential.
Discuss Your Case With an NYC Restaurant Law Attorney
The restaurant industry is tough. Working with a restaurant attorney who has an in-depth understanding of restaurant regulations can help you immensely. At Woods Lonergan PLLC, we understand the competitive and fast-paced nature of the restaurant industry in New York City. We have successfully represented many restaurants in various legal matters, including real estate transactions, taxation, employee issues, litigation, and more. Contact Woods Lonergan PLLC today to schedule your initial consultation.
Our NYC Restaurant Law Services
New York City restaurant owners face a wide range of legal issues on a day-to-day basis. Whether you are the owner of a small family business or you own a national chain of restaurants, our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate any legal issues that arise. At Woods Lonergan PLLC, our restaurant clients count on us for skilled legal representation in a wide range of areas, including the following:
- Trademark issues
- Real estate transactions
- Labor negotiations
- Financing, restructuring, or bankruptcy
- Litigation
- Taxation
- Franchise issues
Woods Lonergan PLLC is a full-service law firm with an experienced corporate law division. Our wide range of practice areas allows us to address any corporate issues faced by restaurant owners. The corporate attorneys at Woods Lonergan PLLC have experience in a wide range of legal issues common in the restaurant industry, such as:
- Regulatory compliance
- Licensing issues
- Credit card issues
- Debt and equity financing
- Purchase and sales
- Operating issues
- Formation and dissolution of partnerships
- Public offerings
- Institutional joint ventures
- Supplier and distribution agreements
- Insurance coverage issues
- Security issues
- Stock option plans
Opening Up a Restaurant in NYC
If you consider opening up a restaurant in New York City, working with an attorney can help you start your business correctly. We can help you review the different options for legal entities such as limited liability corporations (LLCs) and partnerships. After discussing your goals, we can help you structure your business in a way that protects your personal and business assets. We can also help you establish day-to-day practices and procedures that will help protect your restaurant from unnecessary litigation and liability.
NYC Restaurant Law Attorney for Alcohol Sales
If your business sells alcohol, whether online or in-person, you will need to comply with New York’s alcohol sales regulations. You will have to adapt to New York City, County, and State-wide rules about whether you can operate as an online marketplace. You also have to become a licensed retailer of alcohol in New York. Regulators can limit what type of alcohol you ship. Violation of New York’s alcohol laws, even if it wasn’t unintentional, can result in you losing your liquor license, which can significantly harm a restaurant.
Finally, under New York’s dram shop laws, the victim of a drunk driver who became intoxicated at your location could bring a lawsuit against you for their injuries. Our law firm can help you establish practices to avoid serving overly intoxicated customers who may go on to cause a personal injury accident.
We Stay on Top of Developing Restaurant Laws For You
At Woods Lonergan PLLC, We understand how time-consuming owning a restaurant is for our clients. Our attorneys stay on top of all developing state and federal laws affecting business owners so our clients don’t have to do so. As long as the Food Safety Modernization Act and others are created and applied, we stay abreast of developments and advise our clients on the practical impact these laws will have on the restaurant business.
Wage and Hour Issues in the NYC Restaurant Industry
One of the most complicated yet essential aspects of running a restaurant business involves paying service industry employees correctly. Federal, state, and New York City regulations all govern how restaurant owners must pay their employees. Violations of these wage-and-hour laws can result in significant fines. Woods Lonergan PLLC has developed wage-and-hour policies for many restaurants in New York City designed to address the kinds of employment problems that most often arise in the hospitality industry. We can help you ensure that you have the tools to avoid violating wage and hour laws.
Franchising in the Restaurant Industry
If you’re considering purchasing a restaurant franchise or would like to franchise your restaurant, working with an experienced attorney is essential. With Woods Lonergan PLLC on your side, you can rest assured that your personal and business interests will be represented and protected. One of our skilled restaurant attorneys can help you draft your franchise or dealer agreement in a way that protects you and your investments.
Our law firm can also help you resolve any legal disputes that may arise during the franchise process. We understand the unique pitfalls that can occur in the franchise industry. Our franchise attorneys use our experience to look for cutting-edge solutions for franchisees and dealers in the restaurant industry, both in and out of court.
Contact Our NYC Restaurant Law Attorneys Today
If you are a New York City restaurant owner and need assistance in a legal matter, Woods Lonergan PLLC is here to help. One of our skilled restaurant attorneys can review your business and ensure that you comply with federal and state law. We can also help you with any other legal matters that arise. If you’re involved in potential litigation, our trial-ready attorneys are prepared to represent you in litigation. Contact Woods Lonergan PLLC today to schedule your initial consultation.
Woods Lonergan PLLC helps clients with restaurant law throughout NYC including the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.