Prime Barbecue Owner Sued Over New Restaurant Plans

Christopher Prieto, the celebrity pitmaster and owner of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, is facing a lawsuit filed by his business partner regarding the development of a new restaurant in Research Triangle Park (RTP). Prieto's partner alleges misuse of company assets and trade secrets as he moves forward with his separate restaurant venture.

Details of the Lawsuit

Fred Von Canon, who owns 48% of Smoke & Embers LLC—the company that owns Prime Barbecue—filed a lawsuit against Prieto and Prime STQ LLC on October 6 in Wake County Superior Court. Von Canon’s complaint lists allegations that Prieto used the business’ name, recipes, and resources to advance a new restaurant without company or partner involvement. Both Prieto and Von Canon are listed as managers of Smoke & Embers, with Prieto holding the majority 52% stake.

Background on Prime STQ and the Dispute

In September, Prieto announced his plans to open Prime STQ, a new restaurant at Hub RTP in Durham, in collaboration with Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin. The lawsuit follows this announcement and claims that the original RTP project, presented in 2024 as a second Prime Barbecue location, was partially funded by Smoke & Embers, including a $26,523.33 security deposit and funds for signage.

Allegations of Exclusion and Trade Secrets Misuse

According to Von Canon, the initial project was jointly dissolved with Prieto in January 2026, but Prieto then moved forward with the restaurant by forming a new company that excluded Von Canon and Smoke & Embers. The complaint alleges that Prieto leveraged Prime Barbecue's reputation and assets, including recipes and purported trade secrets, to secure investment for the new Prime STQ venture, including an investment from Slavin.

Von Canon is seeking to prevent Prieto and Prime STQ from using the Prime name and logo, representing the new RTP restaurant as an extension of Prime Barbecue, or utilizing existing recipes and trade secrets. He is also requesting compensatory and punitive damages, the return of any obtained benefits, and the creation of a constructive trust.

Prieto Responds to the Lawsuit

Christopher Prieto responded to the lawsuit, stating, "Prime Barbecue has been the focus of my professional life, and our team remains focused on serving our guests and moving the business forward. Fred and I have written agreements governing our business relationship, including provisions requiring arbitration of disputes arising from those agreements, which I intend to honor and enforce." Prieto added, "I dispute the allegations and remain confident in my position. Prime Barbecue and Prime STQ continue to move forward."

What’s Next for Prime Barbecue and Prime STQ

Prime Barbecue, which opened in Knightdale in 2020, has gained national acclaim, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. Despite the ongoing business dispute and restaurant lawsuit, Prieto is moving ahead with Prime STQ, scheduled to open at Hub RTP in Durham in spring 2027. The Wake County court proceedings and arbitration are expected to determine the outcome of this business conflict.

Source: wral.com.