Board Member Accused of Embezzling $1M from Chicago Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Lawsuit alleges lavish spending spree on luxury goods and travel

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:33am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn financial document reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gritty details of a financial crime investigation.A harsh flash-lit close-up of financial evidence exposes the shadowy details behind an alleged embezzlement scheme at a renowned Chicago restaurant group.Chicago Today

A board member linked to one of Chicago's Michelin-starred restaurants, Ever, is accused of embezzling more than $1.4 million from the company. The owners of Ever and its sister cocktail bar After have filed a lawsuit alleging that Aaron Gersonde, who had access to the company's bank accounts and credit cards, spent the money on personal expenses like $18,000 at Louis Vuitton, $48,000 at American Airlines, and nearly $200,000 at Amazon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of high-end restaurants to internal financial crimes, especially when board members or executives have unrestricted access to company funds. It raises questions about oversight and accountability measures that should be in place to prevent such large-scale embezzlement from impacting successful businesses.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Gersonde had been tasked with monitoring the finances of Ever and After, but instead allegedly used his position to funnel over $1.4 million into personal purchases and expenses. The lawsuit details specific charges, including $18,000 at Louis Vuitton, $48,000 at American Airlines, and nearly $200,000 at Amazon.

  • The alleged embezzlement occurred over an unspecified period of time prior to the lawsuit being filed on April 8, 2026.

The players

Ever

A Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago.

After

A sister cocktail bar to Ever, also located in Chicago.

Aaron Gersonde

A board member linked to Ever and After who is accused of embezzling over $1.4 million from the companies.

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What they’re saying

“I take these allegations seriously, but they are not accurate... I had been working toward a private and constructive resolution in order to protect the team, the guests, and the reputation of the restaurant.”

— Aaron Gersonde

What’s next

The lawsuit is ongoing, and the courts will determine whether Gersonde is found guilty of the alleged embezzlement charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight, even at the highest levels of successful businesses, to prevent internal fraud and protect a company's assets and reputation.