A lawsuit has been filed against the owners of Gino & Marty’s, a West Loop restaurant, by the Illinois Department of Labor and Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office. The suit alleges that from December 2023 through August 2025, employees were not paid all earned wages, including tips and overtime pay. Some workers were also reportedly paid below the state’s minimum wage.
The Illinois Department of Labor’s preliminary investigation found that at least nine employees are owed more than $20,000 in unpaid wages and an additional $6,000 in damages. Jane Flanagan, director of the Illinois Department of Labor, stated: “Illinois law is clear: Workers must be paid fully, fairly and on time. When employers withhold earned wages or ignore minimum wage and overtime requirements, the Department will use every tool available to recover wages owed and hold responsible parties accountable.”
The lawsuit names multiple individuals and companies associated with Gino & Marty’s, including That’s Gino and Marty’s LLC, White Glove Service and Management LLC, Marcantonio Bartucci, Gino Bartucci, Martin Parsley, and Daniel George.
In November 2025, Block Club Chicago reported that the restaurant faced legal and financial issues amounting to over $400,000 in unpaid rent, vendor bills, taxes, and wages. This occurred as its owner was planning a relaunch under a new concept.
Gino & Marty’s opened in 2022 at 844 W. Randolph St., quickly attracting attention from influencers and celebrities such as Kevin Hart and Megan Thee Stallion. The restaurant closed quietly during summer 2025 while owner Gino Bartucci announced plans for a redesign.
Despite these plans for reopening, records show the business remains burdened by debts and taxes. Former employees have said they have not received paychecks for shifts worked in June through August 2025.
Bartucci did not respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. Previously in November 2025 he described the financial situation as “normal business when closing and re-concepting.” He acknowledged facing “unexpected financial and operational challenges” but said he was communicating with stakeholders to find solutions such as payment plans for back taxes.
Records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request indicate that at least fifteen former employees filed complaints with the Illinois Department of Labor over unpaid wages during summer 2025; more than twenty complaints have been filed over three years. Many claims allege the restaurant failed to pay bartenders, hosts, servers, kitchen staff—and even its general manager—for hours worked this past summer.
Additionally, reports suggest the restaurant continued selling alcohol after its liquor license expired during summer 2025. Staff members alleged they were instructed to serve cheaper alcohol as premium brands.
According to court documents from the Department of Labor lawsuit, nine identified workers are owed between $1,287-$8,691 each. The restaurant also faces an additional $4,000 penalty payable to the state due to unpaid wages.
