Restaurant Law

“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)

“Rogge is Outback’s go-to lawyer for significant commercial litigation. For more than 20 years we have used Rogge to obtain injunctive relief for Outback in significant cases all across the country.”

“I’ve seen a lot of trial lawyers in action. Rogge is one of the best.”

—Joe Kadow
General Counsel and Sr. Vice President, Bloomin’ Brands (Tampa)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)