A Full-Service Approach to Hospitality Law
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s hospitality attorneys adeptly navigate the complex legal landscape for food and beverage providers, restaurants, bars, hotels, and other leisure activity businesses. This allows our hospitality industry clients to focus on providing top-notch service and provisions to their guests and customers.
Comprehensive Hospitality Law Solutions for Hotels, Restaurants & Developers
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Hospitality Law Practice Group is more than just a practice group; we are your full-service hospitality legal services team. Our multidisciplinary group of seasoned hospitality 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 hospitality lawyers 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 Hospitality Business
Launching a hospitality business—whether a hotel, restaurant, resort, or mixed-use property—requires the right legal foundation. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our hospitality law attorneys provide strategic guidance on entity formation and governance tailored to the unique needs of developers, investors, shareholders, and management teams.
We draft and negotiate essential documents that support day-to-day operations and long-term growth, including:
- Hospitality business formation documents
- Hotel and restaurant management agreements (branded and independent)
- Commercial lease agreements
- Vendor and supplier contracts
With a focus on operational efficiency and risk mitigation, we ensure your hospitality venture is built on a solid legal framework from day one.
Navigating the intricate world of real estate and business acquisition requires finesse. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our hospitality law team guides clients through complex real estate and business transactions with precision and efficiency.
We handle the full scope of hospitality-related acquisitions and sales, including:
- Real estate purchases and sales for hotels, restaurants, and resorts
- Business asset acquisitions and transfers
- Entity-level transactions involving hospitality ventures
- Distressed asset opportunities, including properties in receivership or bankruptcy
Our attorneys help hospitality owners, developers, and investors identify strategic opportunities, mitigate risk, and close deals that position them for long-term success.
Access to capital is critical for launching, expanding, or repositioning hospitality ventures. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our hospitality law team advises clients on structuring and securing financing that aligns with their business goals.
We provide legal counsel on a wide range of hospitality financing options, including:
- Construction loans for hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use developments
- Mezzanine financing and preferred equity structures
- Permanent loans and refinancing strategies
- Private lending and traditional bank financing
From deal structuring to negotiation and closing, we ensure your hospitality project is built on a strong financial foundation with minimal risk and maximum flexibility.
Successful hospitality developments start with proper zoning and regulatory approvals. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our land use attorneys guide clients through the complex web of local, county, and state permitting processes—ensuring projects stay on track and in compliance.
We have extensive experience securing land use, zoning, and development approvals for hotels, restaurants, resorts, and mixed-use properties, even in the most challenging jurisdictions. Our services include:
- Zoning and land use approvals for hospitality developments
- Environmental compliance and permitting
- Building, sanitation, and health code reviews
- Representation before planning and zoning boards
With a deep understanding of hospitality industry regulations, we help our clients clear regulatory hurdles and move projects forward with confidence.
Employees are the backbone of any successful hospitality business. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our labor and employment attorneys offer industry-specific legal counsel to hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality ventures—helping you build, manage, and protect your workforce.
We draft and negotiate employment agreements tailored to hospitality operations, including:
- Executive and staff employment contracts
- Restrictive covenants and non-compete agreements
- Employee handbooks and workplace policies
- Executive compensation and stock option plans
Our experienced labor attorneys also handle:
- Collective bargaining and union negotiations
- Management and C-suite compliance training
- Defense against employee claims, including wage and hour violations, discrimination, workers’ compensation, and more
With decades of experience navigating the unique labor challenges of the hospitality sector, we help you stay compliant, reduce risk, and foster a productive workplace.
Staying compliant in the highly regulated hospitality industry is essential to protecting your business and brand. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our attorneys guide hospitality clients through the full spectrum of regulatory requirements at the local, state, and federal levels.
We provide legal counsel and filing support for:
- Liquor and tobacco licensing for hotels, restaurants, and bars
- Food service, sidewalk café, and cabaret permits
- Franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) and SEC-compliant franchise agreements
- Ongoing compliance with hospitality-specific health, safety, and operational regulations
Whether launching a new hospitality venture or maintaining regulatory standing for an established brand, our team ensures you’re compliant with every rule that applies—so you can focus on growth and guest experience.
In the competitive world of hospitality, your brand is everything. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our Intellectual Property attorneys help hotels, restaurants, resorts, and hospitality groups protect the unique elements that set them apart.
Our services include:
- Trademark and trade name searches, registration, and enforcement
- Copyright protection for menus, logos, marketing materials, and digital assets
- Trade secret protection for proprietary recipes, systems, and business processes
- IP strategy and portfolio management for growing hospitality brands
From concept to expansion, we ensure your hospitality brand is legally protected and positioned for long-term recognition and success.
As cannabis consumption lounges, on-site use, and psychedelic-assisted services gain momentum, hospitality businesses face a new wave of legal considerations. Mandelbaum Barrett PC offers deep experience in the evolving legal landscape surrounding cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics—and how it intersects with hospitality operations.
Our attorneys provide legal guidance on:
- Cannabis licensing and compliance for dispensaries and consumption lounges
- Regulatory support for psychedelic therapy centers and hospitality-adjacent uses
- Operational counsel for on-premises cannabis or hemp-infused product offerings
- Navigating zoning, local ordinances, and state-level regulatory frameworks
- Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert (WIRE) policies and employment considerations
Whether you’re opening a cannabis-friendly hospitality space or incorporating alternative wellness into your business model, our team helps you stay compliant, competitive, and ready to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Disputes are an inevitable part of doing business in the hospitality industry. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we serve as aggressive advocates for hotels, restaurants, property owners, operators, and hospitality groups facing legal challenges.
Our experienced litigators handle:
- Commercial landlord/tenant disputes involving hospitality properties
- Employment-related claims, including discrimination, harassment, and wage issues
- Premises liability and personal injury defense
- Breach of contract and vendor disputes
- Shareholder and partnership disputes, including oppressed shareholder claims
- Corporate fraud, director and officer liability, and derivative actions
- Bankruptcy litigation and regulatory enforcement actions
Whether through negotiation, arbitration, or courtroom litigation, our team is prepared to protect your interests and resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.
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 and 2025 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.
Damian P. Conforti and Brent Pohlman Featured in ROI-NJ Op-Ed on Tip Credit Elimination
May 13, 2025
Damian P. Conforti and Brent Pohlman co-authored a recent op-ed in ROI-NJ discussing the potential consequences of eliminating the tip credit in New Jersey’s hospitality industry. In “Hospitality tip credit elimination will harm New Jersey’s restaurant owners, servers and restaurant-goers alike,” Conforti and Pohlman outline how the proposed legislation could significantly raise labor costs, force […]
Key Insights on Preparing for an ICE Raid in the Hospitality Industry
May 9, 2025
The hospitality industry employs more than a million undocumented workers nationwide. That makes hotels a likely target for ICE investigations. In the article, Damian, Brent, and Frank explain how hotel employers can reduce legal risk and protect both their businesses and employees.
Supporting Our Community at the Taste of Talent Fundraiser
May 9, 2025
It was an evening of great food while supporting a cause that aligns with our firm’s values. Project Self-Sufficiency provides essential services—education, job training, and support programs—that help people build stronger futures. We were glad to be there as active participants in a cause that matters.
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Hospitality Law Services Attends the 2025 Bash for the Boros
April 10, 2025
The Hospitality Services Practice Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC had the pleasure of once again attending alongside hundreds of professionals from hospitality, civic, government, and business sectors. Held at TAO Downtown in Manhattan, the event provided an invaluable opportunity to bring together industry leaders while also raising funds to support their mission to advocate for the city’s 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 […]
2025 Tax Reform Act Q&As: What Employers and Employees Need to Know
July 22, 2025
On July 4th, 2025, the Tax Reform Act of 2025, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), was signed into law, bringing significant changes to federal income tax treatment for workers in the hospitality industry. Under the OBBB Act, employees in the hospitality sector may now exclude both tip income and overtime wages from federal income tax. These provisions represent a significant shift in wage taxation policy, aimed at increasing take-home pay for hourly workers while imposing new compliance considerations for employers.
Food & Wine Magazine: Immigration Compliance
June 20, 2025
In a recent Food & Wine article, Damian Conforti, Chair of our Hospitality Services Group and Partner of our White Collar and Criminal Defense Group, was among the legal professions consulted to help restaurant owners understand how to respond if immigration enforcement authorities enter their business. Conforti emphasized a key legal point: employers should ask to see a warrant and not consent to a warrantless search. This article underscores the importance of understanding your legal rights and remaining composed in the face of unexpected enforcement activity.
ICE Raids in the Workplace: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
May 2, 2025
When an ICE raid occurs, both employers and employees must understand their rights and responsibilities. In our recent webinar, Frank Custode discussed how businesses can prepare for these situations and ensure employees know how to respond appropriately.
ICE Raids in Public Areas: What Employers Need to Know
April 17, 2025
When it comes to ICE enforcement, employers must understand their rights and responsibilities—especially when agents enter public areas of a business. In our recent webinar, Frank Custode, Partner in the firm’s Labor and Employment and Litigation Practice Group, broke down what ICE agents can and cannot do during a raid and how employers should respond.
Tip Credit in New Jersey: What Bill A-5433 Means for Restaurants and Workers
April 16, 2025
As the New Jersey legislature considers eliminating the tip credit—a move that would require all restaurant workers to be paid the full minimum wage regardless of tips—the hospitality and business communities are pushing back. In a recent conversation hosted by Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Daniel Klim, President and CEO of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality […]
What to Do If ICE Visits Your Hospitality Business: 4 Immigration Compliance Tips for Employers
April 10, 2025
In today’s regulatory environment, hospitality businesses must be prepared for a wide range of scenarios—including an unannounced visit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Whether it’s part of a routine audit or a targeted investigation, business owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their employment practices comply with federal law.
How Hotels Can Legally Prepare for ICE Raids
April 9, 2025
Damian Conforti, Brent Pohlman, and Frank Custode from our Employment and Criminal Defense Practice Groups, were featured in a Hotel Dive article titled “How Hotels Can Prepare for ICE Raids,” where they shared vital insights for hotel owners and managers navigating the growing risks of immigration enforcement in the hospitality industry. As federal authorities increase their focus on workplace compliance, it’s more important than ever for hotel operators to understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
Immigration Compliance Training for Businesses
March 28, 2025
When it comes to I-9 compliance, employers need to take proactive steps to avoid potential civil fines or even criminal penalties. In our recent webinar, Brent Pohlman, Partner in Labor and Employment, broke down key actions businesses must take to ensure compliance.
Employee Rights During an ICE Raid: What Employers Need to Know
March 22, 2025
If ICE agents arrive at your workplace, do your employees know their rights? In our recent webinar, Frank Custode, Partner at the Labor & Employment Practice Group, discussed how businesses can prepare employees for ICE interactions while staying compliant with the law. First and foremost, employees can choose whether or not to speak with ICE […]
ICE Raids: Why Calling Your Attorney Should Be Your First Step
March 20, 2025
If ICE agents arrive at your business, your first and most important step is to stay calm and call your attorney. In our recent webinar, Damian Conforti, Chair of the Hospitality Services Group, emphasized that handling an ICE raid is just like any other law enforcement encounter—the key is knowing your rights and minimizing unnecessary […]
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.
Strategic ADA Compliance: Safeguarding Your Business Against Litigation
May 13, 2024
Impact of the ADA on Business and Society The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has greatly expanded opportunities for disabled individuals, demanding significant adjustments from businesses to accommodate both physical and online accessibility. These necessary changes, while enhancing inclusivity, have posed complex compliance challenges. Navigating Compliance and Litigation Title III of the ADA mandates nondiscrimination […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
Controversial California Law is Pushed Forward Despite Referendum Pause
January 13, 2023
The Fast-Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (FAST) was signed into law in California on September 5, 2022. The 10-member council, including union activists, is authorized to set minimum wages and other working conditions for non-unionized fast-food workers. Non-unionized employers face an immediate minimum wage increase to an unprecedented $22/hour and exposure to lawsuits. The law has raised constitutional concerns and will likely face legal challenges. Mandelbaum Barrett PC is ready to review the implications of FAST for the New Jersey Hospitality Industry.
Restaurants and Those in the Hospitality Business Should Not Rely on Faulty Understandings of Wage & Hour Laws
November 2, 2022
Employers in the restaurant and hospitality industries must be aware of the risks associated with tip pooling. Non-compliance with wage and hour laws can result in significant financial penalties. Key areas to pay attention to include properly informing employees, correctly implementing tip pooling, and paying overtime to tipped employees. By understanding and adhering to the law, employers can mitigate the risks associated with tip pooling practices.
Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC represented a major real estate developer in the consolidation and refinancing of 7 separate loans secured by 7 shopping malls
May 19, 2022
Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC represented a major real estate developer in the consolidation and refinancing of 7 separate loans secured by 7 shopping malls into a $75,000,000 loan that allowed the borrowers to reduce its other obligations and provide it with additional funds for future acquisitions and renovations for its ongoing projects. The team […]
These stories are successful case results from our attorneys. Please note that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Mandelbaum Barrett Secures $24M for Airport-Area Hotel Deal
May 2, 2025
Mandelbaum Barrett’s Hospitality Law and Real Estate teams recently secured a major win for the owner/operator of two full-service hotel and conference centers near Newark Liberty International Airport. The deal involved negotiating $24,000,000 in financing—fueling continued growth in one of New Jersey’s most strategically located hospitality corridors. The two properties, which together comprise more than […]
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 […]
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 […]
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