Melody Mercado

Reporter for Block Club Chicago who produced the episode’s investigation into the rise and closure of Gino and Marty's, interviewing former employees and reviewing public records about unpaid wages, vendors and taxes.

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Nov 11, 2025 • 24min

It Was A Celebrity Hangout. It Closed. Workers Say They Weren't Paid

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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