Former Warlord chef and co-owner Trevor Fleming’s alleged abusive behavior has resulted in an estimated $1.4 million loss in revenue at the Avondale restaurant, according to a lawsuit filed by his business partners Emily Kraszyk and John Lupton on Feb. 19. The legal action comes as Block Club Chicago published an investigation into allegations that Fleming abused women he worked with and had relationships with.
The lawsuit highlights the significant impact of the controversy on Warlord, once considered one of Chicago’s trendiest restaurants. Kraszyk and Lupton allege that Fleming’s actions have not only damaged the restaurant’s reputation but also jeopardized its financial stability, putting at risk the livelihoods of employees who depend on it.
According to the complaint, Fleming breached his fiduciary duties by abusing employees and engaging in criminal conduct that brought negative publicity and financial harm to the business. The owners are seeking an injunction to bar Fleming from accessing company accounts or entering the restaurant, as well as his removal from the business. They claim that since January, Warlord has seen a roughly 46 percent decrease in revenue, with losses beginning in 2024 when abuse allegations started circulating online and within the restaurant.
Kraszyk and Lupton said in their lawsuit: “Warlord was supposed to be a dream … [the owners] came together in 2021 [to] open a restaurant that would become one of the most celebrated dining destinations in Chicago. But Trevor Fleming has turned that dream into a nightmare.”
The complaint also alleges that despite promises from Fleming to change his behavior following earlier incidents—including a two-week suspension in summer 2024—he continued actions harmful to both staff morale and business operations. Current employees have threatened to quit if Fleming returns, citing concerns for safety and workplace environment.
Fleming did not respond to requests for comment but previously denied all allegations against him. He has demanded a trial for his felony charge related to sharing explicit images without consent and is scheduled for another court appearance on March 19.
Kraszyk and Lupton are demanding financial damages, official removal of Fleming from Diamond Hands LLC—the company behind Warlord—and permanent measures preventing him from interfering with operations or returning to the premises.
