Feb 7 • 19:11 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico El Financiero (ES)

'We are not the first': This is how Fenotti was, a restaurant that closed after eviction accusations against the Kuri

Fenotti, a popular Italian restaurant in Puebla, Mexico, closed shortly after opening due to alleged intimidation and eviction pressure from local businessmen associated with historical allegations of violence.

Fenotti was an Italian restaurant in Puebla that quickly gained popularity for its exquisite pasta, carpaccios, pizzas, and gelatos. Despite its initial success and acceptance among the locals, the restaurant faced significant challenges behind the scenes, which contributed to its closure just months after opening. The owners, Carolina Mendoza and Armin Brandel, reported that they endured continuous harassment from the Kuri brothers, prominent local figures known for their aggressive business practices and prior allegations of violence.

Carolina Mendoza, who is also a doctor in Nanosciences and Materials, launched Fenotti but was met with insurmountable pressure from the Kuri brothers, specifically Emilio and Juan Pablo Kuri Carballo, the latter having been arrested previously for domestic violence. This situation escalated to the point where Mendoza and Brandel felt they had no choice but to close their restaurant to escape the harassment, casting a shadow on the business environment in Puebla and raising concerns about local business practices and law enforcement's role in such disputes.

The ordeal faced by Fenotti highlights ongoing issues in the business community of Puebla, where intimidation can stifle competition and innovation. As new businesses struggle against established local interests, there are calls for improved protections for entrepreneurs and accountability measures for influential figures who may misuse their power. The closure of Fenotti serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges many face in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams in a landscape marred by threats and coercion.

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