Food & Beverage Law

“I got to know Rogge the hard way, when I was CEO of Pizza Inn and he was suing our company over a change in control lawsuit I inherited. Rogge’s tenacious, bulldog approach impressed me then.  Later, I twice hired him to help me with various C-level legal issues. Rogge’s extensive experience handling major issues for franchisors and entrepreneurs is invaluable; his restaurant experience is a plus. Every CEO, entrepreneur and business owner needs someone like Rogge in their corner.  I have never hesitated to recommend Rogge to other C-level execs.”

-Tim Taft
Former CEO of Whataburger and CEO of Pizza Inn (Dallas)

“When a PE firm with an activist investor reputation bought a controlling stake in the company,  I knew I was in for a fight.  They fired me without good cause, triggering my Change in Control  benefits.  They refused to pay my CIC benefits,  falsely accused me of poison pill tactics  and sued me personally for $9.4 million.

Then they waged a PR campaign against me.  Rogge and I fought back and on the morning we started trial,  they settled and paid me $2.8 million—a $12.2 million swing in my favor.  And, my actions and reputation were vindicated in a New York Times article.”

-Ronnie Parker
Former CEO, Pizza Inn (Dallas)

“Restaurateurs trust Rogge. When it came time for me to sell my interests in the restaurant chain I created and loved, it was important to leave the right way. Not only did Rogge protect my financial interests, he made the transition smooth and professional for all concerned.”

—Buster Corley
Founder and former Co-owner, Dave & Busters (Dallas)

“Rogge, I cannot begin to thank you enough.  You are a star!  You are an excellent lawyer: thorough, extremely well prepared; fun and well-connected!”

“Thanks again for your prompt and successful resolution of a significant and challenging legal matter for Benihana.”

—Cristina Mendoza
General Counsel and Secretary, Benihana (Miami)

“I’ve worked closely with Rogge on numerous significant litigation matters for 15+ years.  He defended me in deposition and I’ve seen him in action. His attention to detail, energy and enthusiasm is second to none.  He is knowledgeable about the law, but most important, he is “street smart,” which enables him to relate to our employees and connect with a jury.”

-Paul Avery
Former COO, Bloomin’ Brands; CEO, World of Beer (Tampa)

“Every restauranteur’s worst nightmare is the murder of their employees. When two former employees robbed and killed three Outback Steakhouse employees in East Texas, we needed an accomplished trial lawyer who understood our culture and could connect with our employees. We chose Rogge. Outback has always used every security technique to provide a safe workplace. Rogge vindicated Outback’s approach to security and got the plaintiffs’ cases dismissed in their entirety on a summary judgment motion.”

-Blaise Hadley
Former Regional VP, Outback Steakhouse (Dallas)

“When I was Sr. VP of Operations for Outback, I went to trial with Rogge in two lengthy and difficult lawsuits. His ability to connect with the jurors enabled Outback to win favorable jury verdicts both times.”

“Once Rogge finished his devastating cross exam of the plaintiffs suing Outback, their cases were completely dismantled.”

—Steve Erickson
President, PDQ (Tampa)

“Rogge has an excellent reputation for helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate legal issues. He is also well-respected in the restaurant industry. When it came time for me to sell my interests in our restaurant chain,  he was my top choice.” 

“Rogge’s advice enabled me to cost-effectively negotiate the sale of my equity interests promptly and without any hiccups.”

-Marty Garvey
Former Co-Owner and Partner, Jake’s Hamburgers (Dallas)

“Rogge grew up in the restaurant business and understands food and beverage issues. We turn to Rogge for legal advice because he knows the hospitality industry, knows Texas, and helps us avoid lawsuits. Rogge gets to the bottom line quickly and efficiently.”

-Brent Harman
President, Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse (Dallas)

“When our trade secrets were misappropriated and a rogue website infringed on our trademark, we needed quick action. Rogge and his team promptly filed a federal trademark lawsuit and obtained a TRO and permanent injunction in state court.”

“Rogge’s understanding of the IT and IP issues enabled us to win a great result.”

-Mark Running
Former President, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant (Tampa)

“For 20 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rogge and seeing him in action at trials, mock trials and depositions. Rogge is a creative thinker with street smarts. Rogge and the Rogge Dunn Group are our trusted legal resource.”

-Blaise Hadley
Former Regional VP, Outback Steakhouse (Dallas)

“When I earned my Executive MBA at SMU, Rogge was one of my best professors. As a successful trial attorney, Rogge made business law come alive.”

-Doug Renfro
President, Renfro Foods (Ft. Worth)