Pittsburgh-based GNC recently sued a couple that ran its Buffalo Grove, Ill., store but dismissed the claim after less than two weeks.
General Nutrition Corp. filed a lawsuit against Anthony and Emily Goltser on Sept. 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, claiming it was owed fees under two franchise agreements.
But on Oct. 2, GNC voluntarily dismissed its own complaint. It did so without prejudice, meaning it could refile its claims if it wants to.
"The fact is that GNC very quickly dismissed the claim after we notified them of our objection to its filing," said the Golsters' attorney, Carmen Caruso of Chicago.
On July 23, GNC allegedly sent the Goltsers a notice of termination with an opportunity to pay amounts owed to GNC, due under the previous franchise agreements, and claimed that they had 30 days to pay the financial deficiencies in full.
As of Sept. 21, according to the lawsuit, the Goltsers owe GNC $69,807.16.
GNC was represented by Charles H. Saul and Robert A. Arcovio of Margolis Edelstein in Pittsburgh.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case number 2:15-cv-01236-DSC