A Call to Help Chef "Pizza" Mike Wathen

Two local pizza restaurants, The Pizza Factory and Big Ass Slice Shop, closed this month, leaving Chef "Pizza" Mike Wathen in a tough spot. These businesses were Mike’s passion projects, built from the ground up with his blood, sweat, and tears. The emotional toll of losing them is heavy, but the financial losses are even more devastating. Mike needs our help to get back on his feet.


The Legal Battle with Joe Notter
 
Mike is facing financial strain due to loans he took out to defend himself in a lawsuit brought by Joe Notter, a known antagonist with a history of causing trouble. A quick Google search reveals Joe’s pattern of targeting others, including strangers and acquaintances, with harmful behavior. One of the claims against Mike is "defamation," but how can you defame someone who’s already damaged their own reputation?


A Partnership Gone Wrong

 Mike deeply regrets partnering with Joe on Big Ass Slice Shop. He offered to settle out of court with a 60/40 ownership split, with Mike taking the larger share—rightfully so, as he created the entire concept. Mike designed the menu, came up with the name, created the logo, and even built the restaurant himself. While Mike worked tirelessly to open the business, Joe was often distracted, drinking at the bar or working on his computer in a corner.

Joe’s one contribution was handling the LLC, registering Big Ass Slice Shop under his personal food truck LLC, Joey Za’s. He convinced Mike this would be faster and cheaper than creating a separate LLC. Trusting Joe’s advice, Mike agreed, only to find Joe now holding the business name and the shop’s Facebook page hostage. This legal mess has consumed Mike’s time, leading to the loss of The Pizza Factory as well.


Mike’s Struggles and a Plea for Help

 Mike has lost both businesses and is now in debt, struggling to pay his bills. There’s a real risk he could lose his truck, which he needs to take on any work he can find. To Joe, if you’re reading this: let it go. You’ve taken enough. To everyone else—Mike’s patrons, family, friends, and community—he needs your support. "Pizza" Mike Wathen is one of the hardest-working, most dedicated, and authentic people you’ll ever meet. Any donations, no matter how small, would mean the world to him.


Seeking Legal Help

 Mike also needs a new lawyer. His previous attorney, who was excellent, had to step away due to personal reasons. If you know a lawyer who can take on Mike’s case and work with him during this challenging time, please connect them.


How You Can Help

 Please share this message far and wide! Let’s rally around Mike to give him the hand-up he deserves. Any support—donations, legal connections, or spreading the word—will make a difference. Thank you for helping Chef "Pizza" Mike Wathen!