Fong’s Pizza co-owner Gwen Page, who previously accused business partners of firing her without cause, has retracted her accusations. Page, who was involved with the Fong’s brand as co-owner and manager, alleged that corporate directors Dan Massoth, Andy Massoth, and Jeffrey Bruning were retaliating against her, leading her to file a lawsuit regarding questionable business practices and her financial position. However, she has now retracted these statements in a news release, stating that a final settlement has been reached between the parties, and they wish each other the best in their future endeavors.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, bringing an end to complex legal action between Page and Fong’s corporate directors and entities that had been ongoing for three years. Last fall, the downtown Fong’s corporate entity agreed to buy out her shares in the company for $770,000, leading to the dismissal of several claims in the case. Claims from the defendants that Page defamed them with false statements in the news and on social media continued until her retraction on Friday.
Page originally owned Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew in Luther after closing down several Fong’s Pizza locations in Cedar Rapids, Ankeny, and Drake neighborhood over recent years. She went on to own Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew offering items like brisket burnt ends, ribs, pulled pork and “Iowa Twinkie”. Unfortunately Chris Higgins who covers eastern and northern suburbs for The Register could not be reached for comments
