Springfield restaurant owner faces charges after pursuing dine-and-dashers

Nadim Kashouh, the 62-year-old owner of Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill in Springfield, Massachusetts, appeared in court Monday facing multiple charges, including armed robbery with a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from an incident where Kashouh and an employee pursued two teenagers—a 17-year-old girl and 18-year-old Javonnie Lee—to a nearby convenience store after they left the restaurant without paying a $92 tab.

According to police reports, the teenagers claimed they attempted to pay but fled after their card was declined twice. Investigators allege that Kashouh ordered the pair to return, grabbed the girl’s phone, and struck both individuals, leaving the girl with a bruise. As a group of seven people gathered, Kashouh allegedly pointed a firearm toward the crowd. While the 17-year-old stated she feared for her life, Kashouh maintains his actions were taken in self-defense.

Kashouh, who held an active license for the two registered firearms involved, faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the armed robbery charge. Through a spokesperson, Kashouh has proclaimed his innocence and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.