Prominent Chef’s Insurance Lawsuit Could Be Important for LA Restaurants

Chef Phillip Frankland Lee Joe Schmelzer

by Farley Elliott

Scratch Bar chef/owner Phillip Frankland Lee is suing his insurance company during the COVID-19 pandemic for declaratory relief, say reps for Lee’s lawyers. The issue surrounds business interruption insurance through Farmers Insurance Company, and could have wide-reaching effects for other operators in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties (where Lee’s Scratch Restaurant Group businesses operate) during the Safer at Home statewide mandate. Without the ability to dine in, Lee’s businesses have seen a dramatic loss of revenue (as have most restaurants), and recouping insurance money is proving difficult for restaurants nationwide.

LA Eater Article | Top Chef’s Phillip Frankland Lee Insurance Lawsuit