Hospitality Law Services
Mandelbaum Barrett PC is a leader in hospitality law services, adeptly navigating the complex legal landscape for food and beverage providers, restaurants, bars, hotels and other leisure activity businesses, allowing our clients to focus on providing top-notch service and provisions to their guests and customers.
Generations of Legal Partnerships
Mandelbaum Barrett PC is more than just a law firm; we are your full-service legal team. Our multidisciplinary group of seasoned attorneys collaborates seamlessly to address the unique needs of the hospitality industry. Whether creating a niche brand hotel, tackling mixed-use development, negotiating branded management contracts, navigating franchise agreements for franchisors or franchisees, handling day-to-day operational challenges, repositioning distressed properties, or engaging in dispute resolution, we have the experience and know-how to meet your goals.
Our Full Service Approach
Our attorneys have a keen understanding of the challenges facing hospitality businesses. They provide cost-effective and practical advice to help clients navigate those challenges by tapping into a wealth of experience across a wide array of disciplines:
- Real Estate
- Banking
- Labor and Employment
- Intellectual Property
- Zoning and Environmental
- Cannabis & Psychedelics
- Regulatory Compliance
- Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Empowering Your Business
Business Formation:
When it comes to establishing a hospitality venture, Mandelbaum Barrett PC is the right strategic partner. Our corporate team is adept at creating legal structures designed for the respective needs of developers, shareholders, investors, and managers. We craft agreements for all essential operations, from comprehensive management agreements for both branded and non-branded properties to commercial leases and vendor contracts, ensuring critical operational efficiencies are in place from the outset.
Real Estate and Business Acquisition:
Navigating the intricate world of real estate and business acquisition requires finesse. Mandelbaum Barrett PC excels at facilitating seamless transactions, including the acquisition, sale, and transfer of real property, corporate entities, and business assets. With particular emphasis on identifying distressed assets and properties entangled in receiverships and bankruptcy proceedings, we work diligently to help our clients leverage and build profitable ventures.
Financing:
Securing the necessary funding to fuel your growth is essential. Our Firm goes beyond helping you secure debt and equity; we assist you in making informed choices regarding both traditional and private lending options. Whether negotiating construction loans, mezzanine loans, or permanent financing arrangements, we ensure your financial foundation is robust.
Zoning and Environmental:
Navigating the labyrinth of permits and approvals at the local, county and state level can be a daunting challenge. Our land use department specializes in securing land use and zoning permits in the most challenging forums. We recognize that ensuring your project complies with environmental, building, and sanitation code requirements, helps clear the path for your venture’s success.
Labor & Employment:
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we understand the pivotal role your employees play in your success. Our employment practice group can assist in crafting employment contracts that are tailored to your individual workforce’s needs, including restrictive covenants, non-compete agreements, comprehensive employee handbooks and policies and executive stock options. Our labor department’s decades of experience at the negotiations table makes them uniquely qualified to handle the collective bargaining process. Mandelbaum Barrett PC also provides vital compliance training for management and C- suite members, ensuring that your senior personnel are with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. And when necessary, we stand ready to tap into robust background of defending against a wide range of employee-related actions, including claims involving wage and hour, discrimination, workers’ compensation, and other employment disputes.
Regulatory Compliance:
The complex world of regulatory compliance is a critical component of the hospitality industry. Whether crafting SEC-compliant franchise agreements, applying for liquor and tobacco licenses, cabaret permits, sidewalk cafe permits, or food establishment permits, we provide the necessary support to keep your business compliant no matter what regulatory scheme is applicable.
Intellectual Property:
Your brand is your identity in the competitive hospitality landscape. Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s IP group provides guidance on trademark and trade name investigation, registration, and defense. Our experience also extends to protecting your copyrights, ensuring the safeguarding of logos and menus, and keeping safe trade secrets that are vital to your brands and proprietary products.
Cannabis, Hemp and Psychedelics:
With the emergence of consumption lounges, on-premises use, and the growing interest in cannabis and psychedelics, Mandelbaum Barrett PC is highly equipped to address the unique legal challenges in this evolving field. Our experienced team can assist you in navigating the complex regulatory landscape governing these substances. We provide guidance on licensing, compliance, and operational issues specific to the cannabis and psychedelics industry. Whether you’re looking to establish a cannabis dispensary, a psychedelic therapy center, or simply need advice on legal matters related to these substances, our firm has the comprehensive understanding to ensure your venture is legally sound and well-prepared to seize opportunities in this rapidly growing market. Additionally, we can help you address concerns related to impairment in the workplace (WIREs) and other legal considerations associated with cannabis and psychedelics use.
Dispute Resolution and Litigation:
When disputes arise, Mandelbaum Barrett PC is your advocate. We specialize in resolving commercial landlord/tenant disputes, employment claims and premises liability and personal injury claims. When litigation ensues, our team of trial attorney’s step-in and litigate all regulatory, civil, and criminal matters, from breach of contract to oppressed shareholder claims, corporate malfeasance and fraud, director and officer liability, shareholder derivative suits, bankruptcy claims, and other federal and state matters.
Firm Recognition:
In 2023 our Firm earned a coveted spot in Inc. Magazine’s “2023 Power Partner” list. This recognition is a testament to Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional legal services and comprehensive support to clients.
Mandelbaum Barrett PC also earned a spot in the”2024 Best Lawyers List,” a recognition that speaks volumes about the caliber of our legal team.
*None of the awards mentioned in this advertisement have been reviewed or endorsed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. These awards are based on independent third-party evaluations and selection criteria can be found here for Power Partners and here for 2024 Best Lawyers.
Download printable materials and guides designed to help you navigate legal and business challenges in the hospitality industry.
Beyond the Charge: New York’s Guide to Credit Card Surcharge Compliance
August 1, 2024
New York’s updated law aims to balance the need for businesses to cover their costs with consumers’ rights to transparency and fairness. By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure they remain compliant while maintaining trust and transparency with their customers.
For more detailed guidance and examples of compliant practices, businesses can refer to the official notice from the New York State Division of Consumer Protection. For additional information about Mandelbaum Barrett’s Hospitality Practice Group, please visit our website.
NJBiz Magazine: Damian Conforti’s Insights on New Jersey’s Food Labeling Litigation
April 30, 2024
Damian Conforti, a partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, discusses the complexities of food labeling litigation in New Jersey. He emphasizes the need for balance in protecting consumer rights while ensuring fair business practices, highlighting the importance of informed consumers in navigating product claims.
Guide to NYC’s Permanent Outdoor Dining Program
February 9, 2024
Launching in March 2024, New York City’s permanent outdoor dining program is designed to allow restaurants to expand their dining areas onto sidewalks and roadways, aiming to adapt urban spaces for broader use. This initiative, developed in response to the pandemic, sets out comprehensive guidelines to ensure safety, accessibility, and integration with the urban environment. It involves a structured process for obtaining necessary permissions, with a focus on operational standards and compliance. The program seeks to balance business needs with public space utilization, reflecting an effort to modify city landscapes in response to changing urban dynamics.
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Hospitality Law Group Attends the New Jersey Restaurant Association Annual Membership Dinner
December 9, 2022
Held at the Hilton in East Brunswick, Damian P. Conforti, Robert C. Scrivo, Gary S. Young and Joel G. MacMull attended the Annual Membership dinner hosted by the NJRHA, where the Firm was once again a Michelin Star sponsor for the organization. Gary Young, general outside counsel for the NJRHA since 1996, met with board […]
New Jersey Mandates Gender-Neutral Dress Codes for Businesses
July 15, 2024
In a significant update to business practices in New Jersey, the Office of the Attorney General has mandated that businesses, especially within the hospitality sector, adopt gender-neutral dress codes for both patrons and employees. Damian Conforti and Brent Pohlman from the Hospitality Services Practice Group explain.
Spicy Saga of Chili Crunch Trademark Rights
April 29, 2024
In a heated twist on intellectual property debates, the Chili Crunch controversy has simmered into the spotlight, showcasing the spicy interplay between legal battles and brand image in the culinary world. In a revealing discussion, Lucian Chen and Todd M. Nosher peel back the layers of this recent trademark tussle involving Momofuku, serving up a rich narrative that highlights the evolving challenges in the food industry’s trademark landscape.
NYC’s Move to Keep Outdoor Dining, With Winter Rules
August 10, 2023
Partner in the Commercial Litigation & White Collar and Criminal Defense Group, Chris Zona, and Co-Chair of the Hospitality Services Practice Group, Damian Conforti, discuss NYC’s recent decision to continue outdoor dining, complying with winter rules.
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Hospitality Law Group Attends the New Jersey Restaurant Association Annual Membership Dinner
December 9, 2022
Held at the Hilton in East Brunswick, Damian P. Conforti, Robert C. Scrivo, Gary S. Young and Joel G. MacMull attended the Annual Membership dinner hosted by the NJRHA, where the Firm was once again a Michelin Star sponsor for the organization. Gary Young, general outside counsel for the NJRHA since 1996, met with board […]
These stories are successful case results from our attorneys. Please note that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Facilitates $6.2 Million Loan for Edison, NJ Hotel and Conference Center Owner
July 16, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Partners Joshua Gorsky, Esq. and Damian Conforti, Esq. recently represented the owner of a 169-room hotel and conference center in Edison, New Jersey, in the negotiation of a $6,200,000 loan with a regional bank. This successful collaboration underscores Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s commitment to delivering exceptional results for their clients in complex financial […]
Deal Alert: Negotiating an $8.4 Million Loan: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Represents Owner of 95,000 Sq. Ft. Office Building in New Jersey
May 13, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Partners Joshua Gorsky, Esq. and Damian Conforti, Esq. and Associate Ann Lee, Esq. skillfully represented the owner of a prominent 95,000 square foot office building center located in Edison, New Jersey. Their expertise shone as they navigated the negotiation process for a substantial $8,400,000 loan with an esteemed international bank. This successful […]
Transaction Spotlight: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Secures $19.5 Million Loan Negotiation for Office/Hotel Center in Edison, New Jersey
April 10, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Partners Joshua Gorsky and Damian Conforti represented the owner of a 300,000 square foot, Class A, hotel/office center in Edison, New Jersey in the negotiation of $19,500,000 loan with a national bank. Despite the optimism for improved hotel performance in 2024, many owners and operators continue to face challenges securing financing for […]
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Hospitality Law Group Attends the New Jersey Restaurant Association Annual Membership Dinner
December 9, 2022
Held at the Hilton in East Brunswick, Damian P. Conforti, Robert C. Scrivo, Gary S. Young and Joel G. MacMull attended the Annual Membership dinner hosted by the NJRHA, where the Firm was once again a Michelin Star sponsor for the organization. Gary Young, general outside counsel for the NJRHA since 1996, met with board […]
Deal Alert: Real Estate and Hospitality Practice Groups Negotiate Deed for Seller of Vacant Land in Edison, NJ
October 10, 2022
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner Joshua Gorsky, Esq., along with Hospitality Law Partners Damian Conforti, Esq. and Robert C. Scrivo, Esq. recently represented the seller of vacant land just under 1.5 acres in Edison, NJ. As our client kept ownership of various surrounding properties, we negotiated a deed restriction into the transaction that prevents the buyer (or […]