Gino & Marty's Avoids Eviction Amid Debt and Lawsuits

Once-celebrated Chicago restaurant faces liquor license issues and ongoing legal disputes after narrowly avoiding eviction.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Gino & Marty's, a once-popular Italian restaurant in Chicago's Fulton Market, has narrowly avoided eviction this month but remains entangled in a complex web of financial and legal challenges. The restaurant quickly gained notoriety after opening in 2022, attracting high-profile clientele, but has since accumulated significant debt, unpaid wages, and is facing a lawsuit from an investor.

Why it matters

The struggles of Gino & Marty's highlight the precarious realities facing restaurants, even those that initially capture significant buzz. The case underscores the importance of transparent financial management and compliance with regulations, as restaurants can quickly find themselves in financial distress despite initial success.

The details

Gino & Marty's reportedly accumulated over $400,000 in unpaid debts, rent, and taxes, leading to a lawsuit from the Illinois Attorney General's Office regarding unpaid employee wages. The restaurant faced an eviction case, which was dismissed this month following a settlement agreement requiring full payment of $137,866.21 in back rent. However, the path to potential reopening remains uncertain, as the restaurant's state liquor license expired in June 2025, and obtaining a new one will require navigating city and state regulations. Additionally, Gino & Marty's owner, Gino Bartucci, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with an investor who alleges misuse of a $25,000 investment and a lack of financial transparency.

  • Gino & Marty's opened in 2022.
  • The restaurant's state liquor license expired in June 2025.
  • The eviction case was dismissed this month (March 2026) following a settlement agreement.
  • The case regarding the Illinois Attorney General's Office lawsuit is scheduled to be heard in court on March 26, 2026.

The players

Gino & Marty's

A once-celebrated Italian restaurant in Chicago's Fulton Market that has faced financial and legal challenges, including debt, unpaid wages, and a lapsed liquor license.

Gino Bartucci

The owner of Gino & Marty's, who is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with an investor over allegations of misuse of funds and lack of financial transparency.

Illinois Attorney General's Office

The state agency that filed a lawsuit against Gino & Marty's regarding unpaid employee wages.

Ald. Walter Redmond Burnett (27th)

The local alderman who is undecided on whether to formally object to a new liquor license request for Gino & Marty's, citing the restaurant's existing legal and financial troubles.

Investor

An investor who has filed a lawsuit against Gino Bartucci, alleging misuse of a $25,000 investment and a lack of financial transparency.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The case regarding the Illinois Attorney General's Office lawsuit is scheduled to be heard in court on March 26, 2026. The restaurant's future also hinges on whether Ald. Walter Redmond Burnett (27th) will formally object to a new liquor license request.

The takeaway

The struggles of Gino & Marty's highlight the broader challenges facing the restaurant industry, including the importance of transparent financial management, compliance with regulations, and maintaining strong relationships with investors. Even restaurants that initially experience success can quickly find themselves in financial distress, underscoring the need for restaurant owners to prioritize financial stability and legal compliance.