Lesser v. Todd Cigarette Service Co.

In the latter part of 1970 the appellant, Jesse Lesser, undertook to open a restaurant in Pikesville. Associated with him in the venture were Joseph Mandell and Nathan Herr. The trio had formed a corporation — “Nate’s & Joe’s Pressbox, Inc.” to operate the restaurant. The appellee, Todd Cigarette Service Co., Inc. (Todd), agreed to lend the three men $7500 if it was afforded the exclusive right to place its cigarette vending machines in the restaurant. To this end a contract was prepared; it began with the heading “Nate’s & Joe’s Club House” and recited that in consideration of the $7500 loan…