A former bookkeeper for some of Chicago’s most well-regarded independent restaurants was arrested Wednesday on federal charges of stealing more than a half-million dollars from the operations over six years.
Renee Johnson, 60, is accused of embezzling more than $600,000 from One Off Hospitality Group restaurants Blackbird and Avec over six years, money she allegedly used to pay off personal expenses, the Chicago Tribune reported.
One Off Hospitality partners discovered the alleged scheme in August, after finding that two checks written to a vendor had the same number. According to the criminal complaint, Johnson was writing checks for herself and then using a check with the same number to pay for company expenses.
Through a spokeswoman, One Off Hospitality declined to comment on this latest development “due to its sensitive ongoing legal nature.”
In August, Blackbird partners released a statement noting that Johnson had worked for the company for nearly 20 years before her immediate termination.
“As business owners and leaders within this industry, it’s our responsibility to act with integrity no matter the situation,” the statement said. “While this has been a challenging situation for us, we’re confident we’ve acted in the only possible manner to protect our restaurants, and by extension, the trusted team members and guests who walk through our doors each day.”
Johnson is scheduled to appear in court this week on one count of mail fraud.
The award-winning One Off Hospitality Group, with James Beard Award winner Paul Kahan as executive chef, operates 11 concepts in Chicago, including The Publican, Big Star and The Violet Hour.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.