Suit alleges restaurant spying

MIAMI, July 31 (UPI) -- The owner of restaurant chain Mr. Chow alleges a rival restaurateur sent a spy to his soon-to-open Miami eatery to learn Mr. Chow's secrets.

Michael Chow, who started his first Mr. Chow store more than 30 years ago, added "corporate espionage" to the charges in his trademark infringement suit against Philippe Chow, a former employee who owns a restaurant across the street from the new Mr. Chow, the New York Post reported Friday.

The lawsuit claims a 65-year-old man disguised as a chef was present when kitchen staff were being briefed on plans for the restaurant and, when confronted by an executive chef, said he was "incognito" so "your boss will not notice."

Philippe and his partner, Stratis Morfogen, denied the charges.

"This is beyond bizarre and at this point we have no further comment describing Michael Chow's delusional and paranoid state of mind," Morforgen said.