Chelsea's hasn't signed a new lease

The future of Olive Tree Bistro and Chelsea's Bar and Grill isn't the only thing up in the air for Latour Management .

There are reports that Walter Morris Cos. , Latour's landlord for Piccadilly Market & Grill at Central and Rock Road, is now showing the space to other possible tenants.

Latour president Joumana Toubia says that's true. But she adds, "I want you to know that Piccadilly is a viable option for us."

She's not sure what will happen with the space in the new year.

"They asked us if we're ready to commit," Toubia says of signing a new lease. "I said I need a little bit of time. I'm not ready."

Her Olive Tree and Chelsea's are being evicted from Comotara Center at 29th and Rock Road.

A lawyer for her mostly out-of-state landlords there says Toubia hasn't been paying rent. She says she's stopped paying it because of a lack of property maintenance.

Toubia says rent isn't an issue at Piccadilly.

"No, no, no, no, no," she says. "We have no issues there.... I'm telling you there are absolutely no secrets."

But she's waiting to sign a possible new lease.

"We want to evaluate some things. This is exactly where we are. No more, no less.

"I have a lot of options."

What happens with the Olive Tree and Chelsea's is a factor.

"Honestly, I have lost all faith," Toubia says of remaining at Comotara. But, she says, "There is a chance. ... We're still talking. Unfortunately, right now it's amongst lawyers."

Meanwhile, Toubia says Walter Morris asked her about showing the space.

"I said, 'Do it,' " Toubia says. "That's fine. Let them look at it. We were completely in the loop. We were informed."

And in the end, she says, "It might shape up that we'll commit to another round."

She has to work out all the details while taking care of several restaurants and catering.

"I take it one thing at a time. I don't want to clutter my plate."

There's one thing that particularly helps keep Toubia going.

"I have had tremendous support from this community. Unbelievable."

Pistotnik update

In September, Have You Heard? reported that Pistotnik Law Offices filed a civil suit in Sedgwick County District Court against former employee Vicki Olivarez and her husband, Severo Olivarez IV, alleging fraudulent and negligent acts by the two.

Vicki Olivarez was a bookkeeper for the firm from July 2002 to Sept. 4.

Now, she's been indicted on federal charges of stealing more than $948,000 from September 2004 through September of this year by writing 441 checks to herself, her husband and cash.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, she's charged with one count of bank fraud and 10 counts of forgery for allegedly signing Brian Pistotnik's name on checks drawn from the firm's account.

If Olivarez is convicted on the bank fraud charge, she would face a possible 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. On each of the forgery counts, she would face a maximum of 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

A woman who answered the phone at the law firm said no one wants to comment on the case. Olivarez could not be reached for comment.

High-flying plug

In a recent USA Today story, Aviation Week deputy managing editor Jennifer Michels shared her "top places for flights of fancy," as the newspaper put it.

Her top 10 choices include some naturals like the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Wichita makes the list too, but not because it's the Air Capital .

It's because of Hangar One Steakhouse .

"What else would you do in Wichita — home of Cessna , Hawker Beechcraft and Spirit AeroSystems , as well as excellent beef — but eat a steak at an aviation-themed restaurant facing the airport?" Michels said. She also mentioned Hangar One's Control Tower lounge.

In addition to being extremely excited, owner Greg Hiser says, "Actually, we were very honored."

He just had a meeting with restaurant employees to say the bar has been raised and, "Let's make sure we stay there."

You don't say

"I'm not planning on going anywhere."

—Watermark Books & Cafe managing partner Sarah Bagby on how, though she always needs customer support, business is fine despite several others near Douglas and Oliver that are closing

Got a hot tip or quirky story? Call Carrie Rengers at 316-268-6340 or e-mail crengers@wichitaeagle.com.