In a surprising turn of events, former Fong’s Pizza co-owner Gwen Page has retracted her accusations against business partners. Page had previously claimed that corporate directors, including Dan Massoth, Andy Massoth, and Jeffrey Bruning, retaliated against her for objecting to questionable business practices. She also filed a lawsuit seeking to protect her financial position.
However, in a statement released on Friday, Page acknowledged her retraction and withdrawal of those statements. She mentioned that all disputes between the parties have been settled, and they wished each other success in their future endeavors. The terms of the final settlement were not disclosed.
Legal action between Page and Fong’s corporate directors had been ongoing for three years. Last fall, several claims in the case were dismissed after the downtown Fong’s corporate entity agreed to buy out her shares in the company for $770,000. The defendants had also accused Page of defaming them with false statements in the news and on social media until her official retraction on Friday.
The original Fong’s Pizza location in downtown Des Moines, which opened in 2009, is known for its fusion menu featuring unique items like Crab Rangoon pizza, Southside pizza with Graziano’s sausage, and a Froot Loops pizza that gained popularity in 2021. While other locations in Cedar Rapids, Ankeny, and the Drake neighborhood have closed in recent years, the downtown Des Moines location remains operational.
Page has since moved on to own and operate Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew in Luther
