What claims did Sutherland/Palumbo, LLC make against the defendants, including SSCP Management, Inc. and Sunil Dharod, in the lawsuit related to Cicis?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Sutherland/ Palumbo, LLC v SSCP Management, Inc. et al, Case No. 4:22-cv-00277 (United States District Court, Northern District of Texas).
On April 7, 2022, the plaintiff filed a complaint against the defendants, including SSCP Management, Inc. and Sunil Dharod, seeking damages arising out of a commercial lease. The plaintiff alleged breach of contract, fraud by non-disclosure, civil conspiracy, and violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The plaintiff sought to recover from the defendants actual and exemplary damages, together with fees, costs, and interest. On September 12, 2022, the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement, and on September 19, 2022, the case was dismissed with prejudice.
Source: Item 3 — LITIGATION (FDD pages 10–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sutherland/Palumbo, LLC filed a complaint on April 7, 2022, against defendants including SSCP Management, Inc. and Sunil Dharod. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, sought damages arising from a commercial lease.
The specific claims made by Sutherland/Palumbo, LLC included breach of contract, fraud by non-disclosure, civil conspiracy, and violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The plaintiff sought actual and exemplary damages, along with fees, costs, and interest.
It's important to note that this legal matter was resolved through a confidential settlement agreement on September 12, 2022, and the case was dismissed with prejudice on September 19, 2022. This means the case was permanently dismissed and cannot be brought back to court.