My Neighbor Felix has raised the white flag.
“My Neighbor Felix and Alma Fonda Fina have resolved their dispute,” according to a joint statement from both parties. “My Neighbor Felix has generously agreed not to seek to enforce a noncompete clause that exists between the parties. As a result, Alma Fonda Fina will remain open for business.”
Last month the casual Mexican restaurant, owned by Lotus Concept’s Francois Safieddine, sued its former executive general manager Kasie Curiel and her new LoHi restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina. Lotus Concepts also requested a temporary restraining order, which, if approved, would have shut down Alma Fonda Fina for a period of time.
Alma Fonda Fina, owned by Curiel and her husband/executive chef Johnny, opened in the former Truffle Table space at 2556 15th St. in December, showcasing elevated Mexican cuisine inspired by Johnny’s childhood in Guadalajara. My Neighbor Felix, on the other hand, opened in LoHi in 2020 and is known for its holiday pop-up bars, nachos and tacos.
Curiel worked at My Neighbor Felix for three years, and Johnny was the former culinary director for Lotus Concepts. Curiel signed a noncompete agreement in January 2020 that stated she would not work, manage, own or operate a competitive business within a five-mile radius of a Lotus Concepts restaurant for two years after she left, according to the lawsuit.
