- Credibility:
RAVENSWOOD — Band of Bohemia has been officially booted from its former Ravenswood home, months after the first Michelin-starred brewpub closed amid bankruptcy proceedings and allegations of sexual misconduct.
Owners for the building at 4710 N. Ravenswood Ave. moved for the eviction, which was approved in a Tuesday court hearing, Chicago Reader reporter Maya Dukmasova wrote on Twitter. Block Club confirmed the eviction.
The gastropub and restaurant opened in 2015 and was the first Michelin-starred pub in the country. Co-founders Michael Carroll and Craig Sindelar already had a long career in the restaurant industry when they opened Band of Bohemia.
Sindelar was part of the opening team behind Alinea, Chicago’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, according to the pub’s website. Carroll was also part of Alinea’s service team as a food runner and back waiter before becoming the restaurant’s only baker in Alinea’s 10-year history.
And Sindelar’s personal accolades include the 2006 Jean Banchet Best Sommelier and the 2007 Mobil Travel Guide Best of the Best Service Award.
Despite its bonafides, the business shut down in July after a slew of anonymous allegations were published on Instagram, accusing former chef Ian Davis of sexual misconduct. The social media post also alleged Carroll and Sindelar failed to prevent a toxic work environment and mishandled operations and relief funds.
The business filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October, owing more than $1.3 million in debt, according to court records. The business also owed $100,000 in rent and taxes to building owner Megara Properties. That debt was being disputed.
Carroll and Sindelar could not be reached for comment.
“Once the business files Chapter 7, it’s over. It’s done. It’s gone. The eviction is purely the next step in that in that process. They are not reopening,” said Scott R. Clar, an attorney representing the restaurant owners. “Now, what the principles are going to do going forward? I don’t know. I don’t represent that.”
Amanda Stamelos, principal at Megara, declined to comment.
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