A San Francisco Superior Court has ordered the owner of a high-end California restaurant to pay her former partner more than $1 million, as their bitter dispute continues.
Court Ruling Details
Anna Weinberg, 48, who owns Tosca Cafe, must pay over $1.1 million to ex-partner David Stanton for breach of contract, according to a ruling detailed by the San Francisco Chronicle. The judgment casts uncertainty over the historic North Beach restaurant, which the pair purchased in 2019.
The ruling also permits Stanton to freeze Weinberg's ownership stake in the limited liability company controlling Tosca, potentially paving the way for him to take control of the establishment.
Weinberg's Response
Weinberg insisted the judgment would not disrupt operations, describing it as "business as usual." She told the outlet, "If you come to Tosca, you will see me at the door." Stanton responded via text message to the Daily Mail: "The court order speaks for itself."
The century-old Tosca Cafe, once a celebrity hotspot frequented by Francis Ford Coppola and Sean Penn, now faces an uncertain future.
Legal Background
Stanton's attorney, Scott Emblidge, stated that Weinberg "had her day in court, represented by counsel, and the court ruled against her on every issue presented." He added, "It's time for her to live up to her financial obligations."
The lawsuit stems from a 2021 agreement where Weinberg agreed to buy Stanton out of Tosca Cafe and Park Tavern, their other North Beach restaurant, for over $1.6 million. In exchange, Stanton was to purchase Weinberg's stake in a Sonoma County property.
The court found that Weinberg failed to complete payments after an initial $750,000, leaving an unpaid amount of approximately $650,000, which increased with interest. Weinberg must also cover Stanton's attorney's fees, yet to be calculated.
Impact on Business
Park Tavern was evicted by its landlord but later reopened by Stanton and Weinberg's ex-husband James Nicholas. Weinberg revealed that her "business literally halved" after buying Tosca Cafe, citing personal and professional struggles, including the lawsuit and her divorce.
She told the San Francisco Standard, "There is the bad press, the legal fees... It's one thing after another." Weinberg acknowledged wishing she had a "backup plan" and expressed reliance on "public perception."
Despite describing Tosca as being in "survival mode," Weinberg remains hopeful. "I want people to know that I have enough optimism that, once these things are behind me, I can turn things around," she said. The Daily Mail has reached out to Weinberg for further comment.
