Molti Amici in Healdsburg awarded Bib Gourmand status in the 2024 Michelin Guide.
Molti Amici, the name of the recently shuttered Michelin-listed restaurant in Healdsburg, translates to “many friends.” Today, the former destination-eatery has one less friendship—as its current owner Jason Cutrer and his ownership company are suing Molti Amici founder Jonny Barr for more than $1.5 million in damages over allegations of fraud and embezzlement. The San Francisco Chronicle first reported news of the legal action. The suit alleges Barr withheld as much as $60,000 in funds that should have been deposited in the restaurant’s bank account meant to pay bills for vendors and other services. Cutrer first raised the red flag about the missing funds last summer with the Healdsburg Police Department, which ultimately declined to pursue the case.
Barr denies any wrongdoing, saying the unaccounted-for $60,000 was paid to vendors, et al, in cash.
The suit also claims Barr, who has since relocated to Indiana, falsely reported balance sheets, issued himself unapproved checks from the restaurant’s account for his own expenses, and personally polished off more than $250,000 worth of wine from the restaurant.
Cutrer says the financial mismanagement led to the restaurant losing $600,000 in its first year. Molti Amici abruptly closed Nov. 3, 2024.
