Ed Debevic's Partners Sue Manager

It’s not open now, but Ed Debevic’s has been a popular food stop for Chicago visitors for the past three decades on Wells Street, and according to its website, it will return in some form, somewhere.

But until then, there may be a bit of turmoil behind the popular Chicago restaurant where sassy servers are known for dancing on tables with a 1950s theme.

Two real estate partners in the restaurant, Larry P. Kanar and Marshall N. Dickler, filed a complaint in Cook County Circuit Court alleging fraud last week against several officers and shareholders that operated Ed Debevic’s. Named in the complaint are Jeffrey A. Himmel, John Fyfe, Joan Fyfe, Ivan Himmel, William Kamm and certified public accountant James Zdarsky, according to The Cook County Record.

Kanar and Dickler allege that over the years, Jeffrey Himmel improperly funneled Ed Debevic’s money into his own pocket and other business interests.

The plaintiffs also claim that when Erie Wells LLC bought the Wells Street property, $296,000 in overpayments were made and Himmel kept the entire return for himself. Himmel was also accused, in the complaint, of keeping a $500,000 loan for construction and repair of the restaurant building.

Ed Debevic’s closed on October 4. A residential tower is planned to take its spot upon demolition.

more via The Cook County Record

Photo: Inside Ed Debevic’s in 2007.