Drive-In Files Claim Against City

The popular Angelo’s Hamburgers has filed a $10-million claim against the City of Anaheim to recoup losses the restaurant owners blamed on “malicious” persecution by the city when it sued Angelo’s over having outdoor tables and chairs.

Earlier this summer, a jury handed Angelo’s a victory when it decided that the restaurant was not violating zoning laws requiring a special permit for an outdoor patio.

The popular eatery recently filed a $10-million claim for lost business, harm to its reputation, attorney fees and emotional distress resulting from that lawsuit, said Angelo’s attorney Michelle A. Reinglass.

Reinglass said her clients plan to file a lawsuit if the claim is rejected, as claims frequently are by city officials.

Angelo’s already has another lawsuit pending against Anaheim, charging that the city’s zoning laws are discriminatory.

In the outdoor patio issue, which ended in a jury trial, Reinglass said Angelo’s was in the process of acquiring the permits the city demanded, but the restaurant owners had to await for their landlord’s signature. “They wouldn’t sign unless we agreed to an increase in the rent,” Reinglass said.

City officials knew “what was going on” and acted “maliciously” in filing misdemeanor criminal charges against Angelo’s, Reinglass said Tuesday.