Gino & Marty’s, the West Loop Italian spot known for late-night bottle service and celebrity sightings, is now buried under tax bills, supplier lawsuits, and worker complaints—even as its owner insists a revival is coming. Neighbors and former staff say 844 W. Randolph has been dark for months while court papers and government notices stack up.
According to Block Club Chicago, records reviewed by the outlet show roughly $400,000 in reported liabilities tied to Gino & Marty’s, including more than $300,000 in unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest. The reporting says the Illinois Department of Revenue assessed nearly $200,000 in sales and food‑and‑beverage taxes, the city placed a $23,015 license hold, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security filed a $6,584 lien. Court documents also show a supplier sued the business over unpaid deliveries. Block Club also reported multiple wage complaints to the Illinois Department of Labor and published former staff accounts alleging bounced checks, partial Zelle payments, and unpaid autotips, and the outlet’s review indicates the landlord has moved to evict the business.
Public relaunch vs. what people actually saw
Time Out Chicago reported the restaurant closed for a full redesign and is expected to reopen next spring under a new name and concept, citing a team statement about evolving the brand. That splashy rebrand plan landed after enforcement notices and legal claims surfaced, leaving a disconnect between the comeback messaging and the liabilities on the books. In the meantime, diners looking to book a table found a dark storefront and listings marked closed.
Worker allegations and liquor-license problems
Former employees shared photos and videos with Block Club that they say show store-brand liquor on site, and told the outlet they were sometimes directed to pour cheaper spirits into premium bottles. The reporting says Gino & Marty’s continued selling alcohol after its state liquor license lapsed on June 30, prompting a 14-day notice to correct in August and an administrative notice of violation in September from the city, according to enforcement records. Block Club also notes at least 15 wage complaints were filed this year—and at least 20 in the past three years—adding to a stack of claims that could complicate any restart.
Eviction push and what’s next
Local listings now mark the restaurant as closed, and reservation platforms show the space as unavailable; the Randolph Street storefront has been quiet. Court filings indicate the landlord has moved to evict the tenant, and owner Gino Bartucci told reporters he has negotiated payment plans with some creditors and settled at least one supplier suit. If an eviction proceeds, it runs through Cook County and follows state procedures; forms and guidance are available from the Office of the Illinois Courts. As of now, services like MapQuest continue to list the address as closed.
