Owners of Popular St. Louis Restaurants Sued Over Unpaid Rent

Take Root Hospitality faces $37,000 in rent and fees for two of its establishments.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:00am

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life depicting a stack of neatly organized restaurant invoices and receipts, along with a pen and calculator, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the financial challenges facing the restaurant industry.The legal battle over unpaid rent highlights the ongoing financial struggles facing even acclaimed local restaurant groups in the post-pandemic economy.University City Today

The owners of Take Root Hospitality, which operates several acclaimed restaurants in the St. Louis area including Vicia and Winslow's Table, have been sued over $37,000 in unpaid rent and fees for their French bistro locations in Clayton and University City.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing financial challenges facing the restaurant industry, even as some establishments have regained popularity after the pandemic. The Gallinas, who own Take Root Hospitality, are known for their commitment to locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine, making this legal battle particularly notable.

The details

According to court documents, Take Root Hospitality, owned by the Gallina family, is being sued for $37,000 in unpaid rent and fees related to their French bistro locations in Clayton and at Winslow's Table in University City. The company, which also operates the nationally recognized Vicia restaurant, has faced financial pressures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The lawsuit was filed on March 31, 2026.

The players

Take Root Hospitality

A restaurant group that operates several acclaimed eateries in the St. Louis area, including Vicia and Winslow's Table.

The Gallinas

The family that owns Take Root Hospitality and is known for their commitment to locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine.

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The takeaway

This lawsuit underscores the ongoing financial pressures facing even successful, locally-focused restaurant groups in the aftermath of the pandemic. It remains to be seen how the Gallinas and Take Root Hospitality will navigate this legal challenge while maintaining their reputation for high-quality, community-oriented dining experiences.