Former Druthers Chief Brewing Officer Files Lawsuit Against Company

ALBANY — George de Piro, the former chief brewing officer at Druthers Brewing Company, has filed a lawsuit against the company, according to a petition filed in the New York State Supreme Court in Albany.

De Piro is a shareholder of all four Druthers locations, according to the petition. The petition states that de Piro is aiming to examine the company’s books and records in order to determine “the financial condition of the entities.”

Druthers has locations in Saratoga Springs, Albany, Schenectady, and Clifton Park. de Piro owns 13 to 15% shares of each Druthers location, according to the petition.

The petition states that “a dispute arose” between de Piro and other members of the company in March 2021.

The petition claims de Piro has made requests for various records in recent months and has not received them, claiming that Druthers “have provided incomplete responses focusing on the breakdown of the relationship and failing to turn over necessary documents.”

The petition states that de Piro is seeking information regarding “potential self-dealing,” in the selection of construction contracts, the use of company-owned apartments and vehicles, and “no-show jobs.” de Piro also alleges the Druthers Board of Directors has not held annual meetings “for in some cases well over a decade.”

De Piro sent a demand letter to Druthers on Nov. 25, 2022, asking to inspect corporate documents. The petition states that Druthers’ CEO Chris Martell told de Piro’s lawyers on Dec. 15 via email he would “respond comprehensively” by the second week of January.

According to the filed petition, de Piro has not yet received the documents. de Piro also requested that the company purchase his shares, citing “other disputes,” which was refused, according to the petition.

Neither Martell or de Piro returned requests for comment for this report.

De Piro is represented by Matthew W. Lizotte and Donald J. Feerick, Jr. of Feerick Nugent MacCartney, PLLC in Nyack. de Piro is asking the court to permit he and his attorneys to receive and inspect the requested documents, that a referee be appointed to supervise “the provision of access and disclosure by Respondents,” and awarding costs and fees associated with the prosecution.