Restaurateur David Manero Accused of Stealing $1 Million

Tough times have rained on South Florida restaurateur David Manero, who was made famous by his now defunct partnership with Danny Devito in his eponymous South Beach steakhouse as well as the Miami burger concept BurgerFI. Manero's partners' John Rosatti and Lee Goldberg have filed no fewer than three lawsuits against Manero and his family for embezzlement, extortion and money laundering among other shady, made-for-TV crimes (cybersquatting?!?).

One lawsuit estimates that $1 million was stolen from the restaurant group by directly diverting money to himself from suppliers, all to support himself and his family in their lavish lifestyle. Last month, Manero stepped away from the operations of the restaurants as BurgerFI continues to grow with a recent opening last week in Ft. Lauderdale. Stay tuned for more details.
· South Florida restaurateur David Manero accused of embezzlement, money laundering [PBP]
· Business partners sue DeVito’s restaurant mogul David Manero [MH]
— Matt Tylka
[Photo courtesy of Broward-Palm Beach NT]