Former Shakey’s President Alleges Wrongful Firing

A former president of Shakey’s Inc. filed a breach-of-contract suit Monday claiming that the Irvine-based pizza restaurant franchise wrongfully terminated him.

Dennis McCart says he is entitled to $200,000 in back pay from the company, according to the suit, filed in Superior Court in Santa Ana.

McCart said he signed an employment contract to become the company’s president in June 1996.

Part of his duties included funding and building two “concept” restaurants that would help the company “rebuild and recapture lost business,” according to the court filing. In July 1996, the company allegedly withdrew its plans for creating these designs.

Claiming that his credibility had been “severely damaged,” McCart resigned July 31, 1996, the complaint said. Company officials allegedly asked him to remain on board until a new contract was negotiated. McCart allegedly agreed and stayed until Dec. 6, 1996, when Shakey’s Inc. fired him.

Shakey’s, McCart and his attorney could not be reached for comment.