Tyson sued amid feud over chef

Kim Smith

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000 | 10:26 a.m.

Boxer Mike Tyson is being sued by a local gourmet food provider that claims Tyson stole away one of its chefs.

According to the lawsuit filed Monday in District Court, Tyson hired Andrew Divecchio shortly after Divecchio left the Custom Cook company despite the fact Tyson knew Divecchio had signed a no-compete clause.

Divecchio, who is known as Chef Drew, worked for the Custom Cook until Sept. 1, and once he left he immediately began working for Tyson, the lawsuit alleges.

When Tyson hired the Custom Cook to provide personal chefs, he knew Divecchio had agreed not to compete with the Custom Cook for a certain length of time after he left, the lawsuit states.

Tyson's attorney, James Jimmerson, said "Mr. Tyson would vigorously defend any lawsuit like this where the allegations are without foundation."

Divecchio is also named in the lawsuit.

In addition to violating the no-compete clause, the lawsuit alleges Divecchio is using the Custom Cook's customer list and fee schedules, which are "trade secrets."

The Custom Cook is seeking unspecified damages.

The company also wants a judge to stop Tyson from using Divecchio or any other former Custom Cook chefs. In addition, the company wants Divecchio to stop serving Tyson or other Custom Cook customers.