Trump Settles Yet Another Lawsuit with Restaurateur

WASHINGTON, DC — Donald Trump once said at the Republican debates that, "I don't settle cases." But once again, he's settling - this time with celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, who pulled out of a restaurant deal with his newly opened Trump International Hotel in D.C. after his controversial comments about immigrants early on in the presidential campaign.

In a statement posted online, the Trump Organization said it was "pleased" to be able to "amicably resolve our differences" with chef, television personality and author Geoffrey Zakarian.

Zakarian, who often serves as a judge on the popular TV cooking competition "Chopped," was set to open the restaurant "National" at the Trump International Hotel.

The announcement comes just days after the Trump Organization settled with D.C. restaurateur Jose Andres, who also pulled out of the hotel after Trump's offensive remarks against Mexicans.

Trump sued them both, seeking millions of dollars in damages for breach of contract, and Andres and Zakarian both counter-sued.

"I am pleased that we were able to resolve our differences and move forward corporately, as friends,” Andrés said in a statement after settling with the Trump Organization. “Going forward, we are excited about the prospects of working together with the Trump organization on a variety of programs to benefit the community.”

Real estate developer Louis Ceruzzi, who was behind Zakarian's restaurant, said in a statement that he was "glad" that the two sides were able to work together to put the matter behind them, and they "wish Trump International the very best success going forward."

It appears that contrary to his claim, Trump likes to settle quite often. He also settled claims against Trump University for a staggering $25 million shortly after winning the presidential election in November.

New: Trump Org settling with chef Geoffrey Zakarian in suit over failed restaurant deal in Trump DC hotel. Like Andres, terms undisclosed pic.twitter.com/Saz47Rxpwz
— Jonathan O'Connell (@OConnellPostbiz) April 10, 2017

Image via Trump International Hotel