Hospitality Services

Generations of Legal Partnerships  

With a storied history dating back to 1930, Mandelbaum Barrett PC brings a wealth of experience to the hospitality sector. For generations, we have been the go-to legal source for our hospitality partners. 

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is more than just a law firm; we are your full-service legal team. Our multidisciplinary team of seasoned attorneys collaborates seamlessly to address the unique needs of the hospitality industry. Whether creating a niche brand hotel, tackling mixed-use development, negotiating branded management contracts, navigating franchise agreements for franchisors or franchisees, handling day-to-day operational challenges, repositioning distressed properties, or engaging in dispute resolution, we have the experience and know-how necessary to grasp your goals.

Our Full Service Approach

Our attorneys have a keen understanding of the challenges facing hospitality businesses. They provide cost-effective and practical advice to help clients navigate those challenges by tapping into a wealth of experience across a wide array of disciplines:

• Real Estate
• Banking
• Labor and Employment
• Intellectual Property
• Zoning and Environmental
• Cannabis & Psychedelics
• Regulatory Compliance
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Empowering Your Business  

Business Formation:  

When it comes to establishing a hospitality venture, Mandelbaum Barrett PC   is the right strategic partner. Our corporate team is adept at creating legal structures designed for the respective needs of developers, shareholders, investors, and managers. We craft agreements for all essential operations, from comprehensive management agreements for both branded and non-branded properties to commercial leases and vendor contracts, ensuring critical operational efficiencies are in place from the outset. 

Real Estate and Business Acquisition:  

Navigating the intricate world of real estate and business acquisition requires finesse. Mandelbaum Barrett PC excels at facilitating seamless transactions, including the acquisition, sale, and transfer of real property, corporate entities, and business assets. With particular emphasis on identifying distressed assets and properties entangled in receiverships and bankruptcy proceedings, we work diligently to help our clients leverage and build profitable ventures. 

Financing:  

Securing the necessary funding to fuel your growth is essential. Our Firm goes beyond helping you secure debt and equity; we assist you in making informed choices regarding both traditional and private lending options. Whether negotiating construction loans, mezzanine loans, or permanent financing arrangements, we ensure your financial foundation is robust. 

Zoning and Environmental:  

Navigating the labyrinth of permits and approvals at the local, county and state level can be a daunting challenge. Our land use department specializes in securing land use and zoning permits in the most challenging forums. We recognize that ensuring your project complies with environmental, building, and sanitation code requirements, helps clear the path for your venture’s success. 

Labor & Employment:  

At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we understand the pivotal role your employees play in your success. Our employment practice group can assist in crafting employment contracts that are tailored to your individual workforce’s needs, including restrictive covenants, non-compete agreements, comprehensive employee handbooks and policies and executive stock options. Our labor department’s decades of experience at the negotiations table makes them uniquely qualified to handle the collective bargaining process. Mandelbaum Barrett PC also provides vital compliance training for management and C- suite members, ensuring that your senior personnel are with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. And when necessary, we stand ready to tap into robust background of defending against a wide range of employee-related actions, including claims involving wage and hour, discrimination, workers’ compensation, and other employment disputes. 

Regulatory Compliance:  

The complex world of regulatory compliance is a critical component of the hospitality industry. Whether crafting SEC-compliant franchise agreements, applying for liquor and tobacco licenses, cabaret permits, sidewalk cafe permits, or food establishment permits, we provide the necessary support to keep your business compliant no matter what regulatory scheme is applicable.

Intellectual Property:  

Your brand is your identity in the competitive hospitality landscape. Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s IP group provides guidance on trademark and trade name investigation, registration, and defense. Our experience also extends to protecting your copyrights, ensuring the safeguarding of logos and menus, and keeping safe trade secrets that are vital to your brands and proprietary products. 

Cannabis, Hemp and Psychedelics: 

With the emergence of consumption lounges, on-premises use, and the growing interest in cannabis and psychedelics, Mandelbaum Barrett PC is highly equipped to address the unique legal challenges in this evolving field. Our experienced team can assist you in navigating the complex regulatory landscape governing these substances. We provide guidance on licensing, compliance, and operational issues specific to the cannabis and psychedelics industry. Whether you’re looking to establish a cannabis dispensary, a psychedelic therapy center, or simply need advice on legal matters related to these substances, our firm has the comprehensive understanding to ensure your venture is legally sound and well-prepared to seize opportunities in this rapidly growing market. Additionally, we can help you address concerns related to impairment in the workplace (WIREs) and other legal considerations associated with cannabis and psychedelics use. 

Dispute Resolution and Litigation:  

When disputes arise, Mandelbaum Barrett PC is your advocate. We specialize in resolving commercial landlord/tenant disputes, employment claims and premises liability and personal injury claims. When litigation ensues, our team of trial attorney’s step-in and litigate all regulatory, civil, and criminal matters, from breach of contract to oppressed shareholder claims, corporate malfeasance and fraud, director and officer liability, shareholder derivative suits, bankruptcy claims, and other federal and state matters. 

Firm Recognition: 

In 2023 our Firm earned a coveted spot in Inc. Magazine’s “2023 Power Partner” list. This recognition is a testament to Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional legal services and comprehensive support to clients.  

Mandelbaum Barrett PC also earned a spot in the”2024 Best Lawyers List,” a recognition that speaks volumes about the caliber of our legal team.  

*None of the awards mentioned in this advertisement have been reviewed or endorsed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. These awards are based on independent third-party evaluations and selection criteria can be found here for Power Partners and here for 2024 Best Lawyers. 

Download printable materials and guides designed to help you navigate legal and business challenges in the hospitality industry.