Owners Of Rocco's At The Brick Planning Legal Action After Sudden Closure

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The owners of Rocco's at the Brick said they will be taking legal action against the owner of the Brick Hotel for breach of contract.

David Gelman, whose father, Marc, managed the restaurant, confirmed the closure of Rocco's on Tuesday and blamed it on "the greed and selfishness of the landlord," who he said breached their lease and management agreements.

The popular borough steak and seafood restaurant closed unexpectedly at the close of business last Saturday night, leaving its more than 60 employees out of work and many without reservations just as the holiday dining season was about to begin.

"This was totally unforeseen as we only had 48 hours' notice that she singlehandedly went to the Liquor Control Board, and took Rocco’s off the liquor license," said Gelman. "We did not own the license but entered into a management agreement with the landlord to use it."

Gelman told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Rocco's ability to serve alcohol was part of the business' operating agreement, in which Marc Gelman has been paying a fixed monthly fee, a percentage of proceeds and rent.

Patch reached out to Verindar Kaur, who owns the Brick with her son, for a comment on the closing and the liquor license change.

Kaur confirmed the restaurant is closed and that they're not leasing or renting the space, but she declined to comment on the closing or the liquor license change.

"I have no comment. I cannot talk," said Kaur. "We don't want to get engaged in the craziness that's going on. We're trying to be professional about it. They can make any comments they want. You can listen to their story. You can print their story. We don't want to say anything. Maybe in 10 days you will learn everything, and then when you learn, you can write the facts."

Gelman called the closing of the restaurant "a shame because Rocco’s had become a pillar of the community. The staff were absolutely incredible and we thank them for everything they did. If there was any way we could have stopped this, we would have. Our customers were second to none."

Gelman said Rocco’s had become more successful than anyone would have imagined. "We really had the best of everything … food, staff, and customers," he said.

"We will be taking legal action against the landlord for breach of contract of the lease, which is contingent on having that liquor license, along with breach of the management agreement," said Gelman. "Her actions impacted the lives of many, many people and we will not allow that to go without consequences."

When asked if they are considering reopening at a new location, Gelman said, "It's definitely possible."

The owners of Rocco's said everyone who has a gift card will be refunded. They will also be refunding any deposits made for upcoming private parties and bookings. Patrons can reach Rocco's through its phone number - 215-860-8313.

This article has been updated to correct the fact that David Gelman is the son of the owner of Rocco's at the Brick.