Few chefs will ever know the kind of success Geoffrey Zakarian has experienced, at least as a celebrity chef. He is a staple of four different programs on the Food Network, including the popular "Chopped." Three of his restaurants have won three stars from the New York Times' food critics.

But not all of his work in his restaurants has been popular. Until three years ago, Zakarian had a restaurant called Country. Now he is being sued by former cooks from Country. Apparently in response to the lawsuit, Zakarian has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.

Fort Lauderdale Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys have noted that Zakarian's bankruptcy petition lists nearly 180 creditors. More than 150 of them are former employees of Zakarian's from Country.

The former employees have been joined by two of Zakarian's former partners, who support the claims by employees that Zakarian failed to pay time and a half for overtime, charged employees for meals they never got, and falsified pay records to pay employees less than their actual agreed wage.

The class action lawsuit seeks more than one million dollars in damages and a quarter million in penalties.

Zakarian's Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition lists less than $50,000 in assets, and liabilities over $1 million. He apparently hopes the bankruptcy will stop the lawsuit in its tracks. The plaintiffs say they plan to move ahead with their class action anyway.

Zakarian recently said of his legal troubles, "As a respectful practice, I will not comment on business partnerships or pending litigations. I realize and understand the responsibility that as a public face of a business, one can become a target. I remain focused on my craft and delivering great meals to my diners."

Source: Seattle Times "Star chef, facing a suit, files for bankruptcy" 4/27/2011