Report: Domestic Violence Incident Led to Closure of Acclaimed Chicago Restaurant

 Posted on May 03, 2018 in Domestic Abuse

It is unfortunately easy for many people to attempt to sweep allegations—or even proven incidents—of domestic violence under the proverbial rug. Even in today’s world of increased awareness and sensitivity to issues of abuse, domestic violence is still largely seen as a relationship issue. A recent magazine report, however, shows that domestic violence in a relationship can have an effect on countless others, including the public at large.

A Curious Closure

Last June, 42 Grams, an acclaimed eatery in Uptown Chicago closed suddenly with little more than an announcement on Twitter. A few days later, the restaurant’s Twitter account was deleted. Restaurants come and go all the time, especially in a city like Chicago, but this was different. Within its first few months of operation, 42 Grams had received two Michelin stars—one of the highest honors in the food and beverage industry. At the time, the owners—the head chef and his ex-wife general manager—did not give a reason for the sudden closure. Just under a year later, much more information has come to light.

A Brutal Attack

According to Eater magazine and Cook County court records, a disagreement between the couple caused the chef to attack his former spouse near the restaurant’s back door on June 4, 2017. He reportedly grabbed the woman’s hair, threw her to the ground and hit her in the head with a bottle. The attack left the woman with lacerations requiring two staples. Police arrived on the scene after a 42 Grams patron saw the woman and called emergency services.

That very night, the chef announced that the restaurant would be closing, effective immediately. Court records show that the chef was arrested at his home two days later. He pleaded guilty to simple battery in July—a charge that was downgraded from domestic battery. He is also the subject of an order of protection that keeps him away from his ex-spouse until July of this year.

In recent months, the woman began making veiled references to herself on social media as a survivor of domestic violence. She used the restaurant’s Facebook account to make a public statement about the relationship between her and her ex-husband. “The business did not kill the marriage,” she wrote. “Domestic abuse killed the marriage.” It seems that, ultimately, domestic abuse also killed the business as well.

Are You a Victim?

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, an experienced Rolling Meadows domestic abuse lawyer can help take steps to protect yourself and your family. Call 847-253-3100 for a free consultation at Cosley Law Office today.

Sources:

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/4/27/17273152/42-grams-shutter-domestic-battery-alexa-welsh-chef-bickelhaupt-chicago