"Mr. Curtin’s lawsuit against us was an incredible shock and a huge disappointment. For at least 10 years, we have known Mr. Curtin through events and mutual acquaintances in the Buffalo food scene. Mr. Curtin showed no problems coexisting in the same marketplace with us. His threats against us began more than a year ago with letters from his attorney demanding money for use of the phrase “Lake Effect.” The letters subsequently stopped, and we didn’t hear from him again for almost a year. We thought that these upsetting allegations were over. That is until a few days ago..."