Crime & Safety
Investors Sue Owner of Uptown Diner
Highland Park residents seek to recover $135,000 they invested before falling-out with Scott Jaffe.
The owner of Uptown Cafe is being sued once again, this time from a pair of investors who say they’ve received no ownership stake despite a $135,000 contribution to the business’ opening.
Scott Jaffe, recently named in a suit filed by his sister and owner of Sarkis Cafe in Evanston, Marla Cramin claiming the new Highland Park diner was ripping off Sarkis’ menu, is named in another by Highland Park residents Jordan and Kerri Eckerling, who initially invested in Order Up Diner, the pre-opening name of what would become Uptown Diner.
RELATED: Sarkis Owner Sues Brother; Claims Uptown Diner Copied Menu
Find out what's happening in Highland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The suit claims Jordan Eckerling and Jaffe began talking about a joint restaurant venture during the summer of 2013 - one that would included 50 seats and come at a startup cost of $150,000, the Highland Park News reports.
But the pair had a falling-out and no longer planned to open the business together. Jaffe did open Uptown Diner, but with a number of more seats than originally planned and occupied by City Park Grill.
Find out what's happening in Highland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Scott and his wife, Debra Jaffe. opened Uptown Diner in April, but the investors saw no ownership stake. They are suing for the amount invested.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
