Robert's, Estrella restaurants being sold to employees

Three restaurants whose owner was convicted of theft are changing hands.

Robert’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, with locations in Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande, and Estrella in Paso Robles are owned by Robert Clouston, who was convicted in July 2014 of taking advantage of a 99-year-old woman while acting as her trustee.

Under terms of deals described by Justin Picard, executive chef at the Robert’s restaurants, here’s who will own each of the restaurants when escrow closes as expected in October:

• Robert’s Restaurant, 303 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande: Justin Picard

Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

After Robert’s Restaurant in Paso Robles closes escrow, Grimes said, another transaction will occur that is expected to give Picard majority ownership and Grimes a minority position.

Minor changes will be made at the Robert’s Restaurants under the new ownership, Picard said, noting that Clouston was more of a businessman, and wasn’t actively involved in the restaurant’s operation.

The restaurants are maintaining the same staff of around 20 full and part-time employees at each location.

Clouston sold the three restaurants because he wanted to pursue other interests, Picard said.

Picard has worked at the Robert’s Restaurants since its 2010 opening in Paso Robles. Borba has been with Estrella since its opening in January 2012. Grimes joined Estrella in January 2013.

Estrella Restaurant and Robert’s Restaurant will continue to work together to help each other out.

This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 5:25 PM with the headline "Robert's, Estrella restaurants being sold to employees."