Restaurants & Retail

Restaurants & Retail

Legal Solutions for Every Stage of Your Restaurant or Retail Business.

Whether you’re launching a new restaurant, expanding a retail operation, franchising, or planning for succession, having an experienced legal team is essential to your success. The Restaurant & Retail Law Group at Wright, Constable & Skeen takes an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to help businesses navigate the complex legal landscape of the industry.

Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of the restaurant and retail sectors, from regulatory compliance and licensing to contracts, employment matters, and dispute resolution. We take the time to understand your business, offering practical, tailored solutions in a cost-effective manner.

At Wright, Constable & Skeen, we provide comprehensive legal services to restaurant and retail owners, including:

  • Business formation and structuring
  • Licensing and regulatory compliance
  • Commercial lease negotiations
  • Employment law and workforce management
  • Franchise law and expansion strategies
  • Contracts and vendor agreements
  • Intellectual property protection, including trademarks and branding
  • Litigation, dispute resolution, and risk management

We take pride in serving as trusted advisors, helping restaurant and retail businesses achieve their goals while protecting their legal and financial interests. You can learn more about our issue areas related to Restaurant & Retail law below. Looking for legal advice today, contact Gary Damico!

Finance

Whether you’re launching a new restaurant, securing a construction or build-out loan, obtaining a line of credit, refinancing, expanding, or acquiring an existing business, the Wright, Constable & Skeen Restaurant Law Group provides strategic legal guidance every step of the way.

Our extensive industry knowledge and strong financial relationships allow us to effectively represent and protect your interests—from negotiation and drafting to closing the deal. We recognize the critical role financial arrangements play in your operations and are committed to guiding you through the process, explaining your options, and helping you make informed decisions.

Real Estate

Nearly every business owner faces real estate matters, from commercial leases and property purchases to zoning, real estate taxes, and landlord-tenant issues. For nearly a century, Wright, Constable & Skeen has provided trusted legal counsel on real estate transactions.

As a licensed title agent, we can facilitate real estate closings. Your location is the foundation of your business—too important to leave to chance. Our Restaurant Law Group is here to help you negotiate leases, draft contracts, and resolve real estate disputes with strategic and effective solutions.

Corporate

Corporate matters in the restaurant industry span from business structuring and governance to mergers and acquisitions. A well-structured entity is essential for protecting owners from personal liability, managing tax obligations, and ensuring operational efficiency. However, to maintain these protections, businesses must properly establish and uphold corporate governance, including adhering to bylaws, holding annual meetings, and keeping business and personal assets separate.

The Wright, Constable & Skeen Restaurant Law Group serves as “outside general counsel,” providing strategic guidance on all corporate matters. With deep industry knowledge, we assist clients with entity formation, compliance, stock sales, purchase agreements, mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning to support long-term success.

Employment

Employees are the backbone of any successful restaurant, but they can also present legal challenges for owners. From wage and hour claims, overtime, and tip compliance to hiring and termination practices, discrimination, harassment, workplace safety, and leave policies (FMLA, ADA), navigating employment law in the restaurant industry requires specialized knowledge.

The Wright, Constable & Skeen Restaurant Law Group helps restaurant owners proactively address employment issues, implement best practices, and maintain compliance with evolving labor laws. Strong employer-employee relationships are essential for delivering exceptional service, and our team provides the legal guidance necessary to protect your business and support your workforce.

Supplier Relations

Suppliers are essential to your restaurant’s success, providing everything from food and beverages to equipment, furniture, and signage. However, supplier relationships can present legal challenges, including contract negotiations, purchase order disputes, collections, compliance issues, and agreement enforcement.

The Wright, Constable & Skeen Restaurant Law Group provides the legal support needed to maintain strong supplier relationships and protect your business interests. When disputes arise, our experienced attorneys work to resolve conflicts efficiently, ensuring your operations remain uninterrupted while seeking opportunities for favorable outcomes.

Regulatory

The restaurant industry operates under a complex and ever-evolving framework of regulations, codes, and laws. From business and liquor licenses to health inspections and zoning compliance, regulatory challenges can significantly impact your operations and brand reputation.

At Wright, Constable & Skeen, our attorneys have deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience helping restaurant owners navigate these legal requirements. We provide clear guidance to ensure compliance, minimize risk, and keep your business running smoothly.

Immigration

I-9 forms, E-Verify, visa regulations, and strict reporting and record-keeping requirements create a complex web of immigration laws that restaurant owners must navigate. Even minor errors can result in significant fines and penalties. The Restaurant Law Group at Wright, Constable & Skeen provides strategic guidance to help you understand and comply with immigration laws, ensuring your business remains in full compliance while maintaining a strong workforce.

Succession Planning

Running a restaurant demands your full attention, making it challenging to plan for the future. However, succession planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to retire or pass your business on.

The Wright, Constable & Skeen Restaurant Law Group helps restaurant owners develop and implement effective succession strategies, addressing leadership transitions, family continuity, tax planning, and more. As Winston Churchill said, “He who fails to plan is planning to fail.” Let us help you secure the future of your business with a strategic succession plan.

Work-Outs and Bankruptcy

Even with your best efforts, there may come a time when seeking bankruptcy protection is necessary to give your restaurant a fresh start or wind down operations in an orderly manner. In some cases, it may be possible to avoid formal bankruptcy through negotiation with creditors.

The Wright, Constable & Skeen Restaurant Law Group has extensive experience in both bankruptcy and work-out negotiations, guiding you through the process to help you make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome for your business.

Family-Owned and Operated Consideration

Family-owned businesses face the typical challenges of any business, along with additional complexities related to family dynamics in ownership and operations. The Wright, Constable & Skeen Restaurant Law Group has extensive experience advising family-owned businesses, helping navigate the unique issues that arise from balancing family relationships with business goals. Our team is equipped to provide thoughtful guidance and solutions to ensure both business success and family harmony.

Practice Area Attorneys

Educational Resources

Industry Resources

Restaurant Association of Maryland
National Restaurant Association