Family Feud Erupts at Yonkers Coffee Roaster

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Minority owners of a Yonkers coffee roaster, the Ranni family, are suing their relatives, the Pialtos family, in an effort to dissolve the century-old family business. The Rannis claim their interests have been marginalized, with the Pialtoses allegedly excluding them from corporate governance, denying them profits, and refusing to provide financial records.

Why it matters

This family dispute highlights the challenges of maintaining a multi-generational family business, especially when there are allegations of mismanagement, fraud, and unequal treatment of shareholders. The outcome could impact the future of the 100-year-old coffee roasting company and the livelihoods of those involved.

The details

The lawsuit was filed in Westchester Supreme Court on February 25th, with the Ranni faction - James and Virginia Ranni, and Denise Schulman - accusing the Pialtos family - Dean and Charles Pialtos - of minority shareholder oppression, fraud, embezzlement, and breach of fiduciary duty. The Rannis claim the company is no longer being operated for its proper corporate purposes, but rather as an 'instrumentality for defendants' personal enrichment and control'.

• The coffee roaster, P. Pascal Inc., was founded around 1924 by the current owners' grandfather.
• The company was moved from Manhattan to Yonkers in the 1950s.
• The corporate structure was changed about 30 years ago, with additional shares allocated to the Pialtos family based on their proficiency in the Greek language.
• In February 2026, James Ranni and his son requested a valuation of their shares for a proposed buyout, but Dean Pialtos allegedly refused to consider a buyout.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge will need to decide whether to grant the Rannis' request to dissolve the company and appoint a neutral forensic accountant to investigate the alleged financial misconduct.