OK, so you remember how Molti Amici on Healdsburg Avenue suffered a fall from grace last November and was forced to close its doors just over a year after it opened in the old Campo Fina space, with dreams of becoming Healdsburg’s next casual Italian community hub? And then how the restaurant’s majority investor, Jason Cutrer, sued its founder, SingleThread alum Jonny Barr, for over $1.5 million — claiming Jonny had embezzled money from Molti Amici and drank $250,000 in wine from the company cellar, including one French bottle worth nearly $25,000 alone?
Well, it’s all water under the bridge now, according to the Press Democrat. Just like that — a thing of the past. From the latest PD story:
In a joint statement, Cutrer and Barr said, “We are pleased to announce that all matters between us regarding Molti Amici have been amicably resolved. … While we will not be working together moving forward, we have worked collaboratively to reach an agreement that enables each of us to focus on our respective paths and future endeavors.”
Neither Cutrer nor Barr, according to the statement, would make additional public comments, so it is unclear whether they reached some sort of settlement. …
The dismissal of the business fraud case ends a nearly yearlong series of lows and highs involving the former Healdsburg restaurant. In June 2024, the Healdsburg Police Department opened an embezzlement investigation at the restaurant, a case the department closed without seeking criminal charges about five months later. In August, Molti Amici was honored with a coveted Michelin California Bib Gourmand award. But in November, the highly acclaimed restaurant suddenly shut down.
Jonny has denied the accusations against him throughout this ordeal, and argued to the PD in February: “Everyone who has worked with me at and outside of Molti knows my true character.” But he did raise eyebrows by skipping town right before his restaurant went bust — reportedly moving from Healdsburg to Indiana for a “family matter.” So yeah, I have no idea what went down behind the scenes to clear up this epic nine-month spat between fancy Healdsburg restaurant bros, but I guess everyone can move on with their lives now. I for one am glad to be done talking about it! (Famous last words…)
Update: Another well-known local chef just announced he’s keeping the Campo dream alive and opening a French bistro in the former Molti/Campo space at 330 Healdsburg Ave. Read all about it!
Note from Simone: This piece was crafted for the weekly email newsletter I write for the Healdsburg Tribune, called Healdsburg Today. Subscribe here.
