
The Block Club Chicago Podcast It Was A Celebrity Hangout. It Closed. Workers Say They Weren't Paid
Nov 11, 2025
Melody Mercado, a reporter for Block Club Chicago, dives into the turbulent story of Gino and Marty's, a once-celebrated Italian restaurant in Fulton Market. She reveals how a viral Facebook post ignited an investigation into widespread unpaid wages and vendor debts, totaling over $400,000. Former employees share harrowing tales of missed paychecks, while vendor lawsuits mount. Despite dreams of a comeback, the financial chaos raises questions about the restaurant's future and broader issues in the industry, blending glamour with hidden struggles.
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Tip Post Sparked A Deep Investigation
- An anonymous Facebook post from a restaurant-workers group launched Melody Mercado's investigation into Gino and Marty's.
- Multiple former employees DM'd her with claims they hadn't been paid for months, which expanded the reporting.
Personal Assistant Saw Problems Firsthand
- Nico, hired as Gino's personal assistant, described early hype turning into collection calls and unpaid vendor invoices.
- He says vendors and collectors began contacting him months after opening, revealing early financial issues.
Huge Debts Versus Plans To Reconcept
- Gino and Marty's combined unpaid wages, vendor suits, eviction filings, and roughly $300,000 in unpaid sales tax show deep systemic failure.
- The owner still claims plans to reconcept in the same space, raising questions about how debts will be resolved.
