Scarinci Hollenbeck expands Little Falls office amid Forum Coffee allegations

The legal landscape in Morris County is shifting as Scarinci Hollenbeck LLC continues to expand its presence in the town of Little Falls. The firm recently announced the addition of four new attorneys to strengthen its Litigation Group across New Jersey and New York offices. This move follows a previous announcement last month where eight other attorneys joined the organization.

The latest wave of hires includes Paul S. Grossman and Jay R. McDaniel, who have been brought in as partners at the firm. Alongside these new leadership roles, Chris Seelinger has joined the team as counsel to support ongoing legal efforts. The expansion also welcomes Oleksandr Kryvenko, who will serve as a senior associate within the growing department.

These four additions are designed to deepen the capabilities of Scarinci Hollenbeck in handling complex litigation cases for clients throughout the region. By bolstering their Litigation Group with experienced professionals, the firm aims to offer more robust services from its Little Falls headquarters. The rapid succession of hiring events suggests a period of significant growth and strategic development for the company.

Local business faces serious allegations

While one sector in Little Falls sees professional expansion, another local establishment is grappling with severe public criticism regarding its operations. A former employee posted detailed accusations against Forum Coffee on Reddit, urging residents to avoid supporting the business due to alleged mistreatment and unsafe practices. The post identifies Bobby Grogan as the owner of the coffee shop.

The allegations include claims that expired food items were served to customers while being marketed as fresh products because they had been stored in freezers. Specific examples cited by the former worker involve expired milks, quiches, and old soft serve ice cream being provided to patrons despite their condition. The post states that these practices occurred behind the scenes where customers could not see them.

According to the source material, the health department shut down the Little Falls location of Forum Coffee for one week after it first opened. This closure was reportedly due to a lack of proper sanitation protocols at the time. The former employee suggests that such safety failures were part of a broader pattern of disregarding regulations within the business.

Employee treatment and retaliation claims

The Reddit post details what is described as horrible treatment of staff members who worked for Forum Coffee under owner Bobby Grogan. Employees are alleged to have been spoken to in dehumanizing ways and discarded without regard for their well-being or professional dignity. The former worker noted that many people came and went from the job, with some being wrongfully terminated.

A specific incident is highlighted where an employee who disagreed with unsafe business practices was fired by the owners. This retaliation allegedly occurred despite the presence of posted notices regarding whistleblower rights and general employee protections on the walls of the shop. The post claims that after firing this individual for speaking up, the owners removed these informational posters from the premises.

The former worker also accused the owner of harassing individuals who left negative reviews about their experiences at Forum Coffee. It is alleged that Grogan posted details of these negative interactions on his Instagram story to publicly shame or intimidate critics. The post urges other employees who have experienced similar mistreatment to share their stories in the comments section.

Community impact and resident caution

For residents of Little Falls, these contrasting developments present a complex picture of local economic activity alongside potential consumer risks. On one hand, the growth of Scarinci Hollenbeck indicates investment in professional services within the 11th Congressional District towns. This expansion brings new legal talent to Morris County and may increase business opportunities for local clients.

On the other hand, the allegations against Forum Coffee raise immediate concerns about food safety standards and labor practices in a popular neighborhood spot. The claim that expired items were served suggests a direct risk to public health if such incidents occurred as described by the former employee. Residents who frequent the shop may need to weigh these accusations before spending their money.

The situation at Forum Coffee also highlights potential issues with how local businesses handle internal disputes and regulatory compliance. If true, the removal of posted worker rights after firing a whistleblower points to a culture that discourages accountability. The public nature of these claims on social media means they are now part of the community conversation about where to support.

What happens next for both entities

Scarinci Hollenbeck appears poised to continue its growth trajectory with no immediate indication of slowing down after adding four new litigators in August 2026. The firm has already integrated eight attorneys last month and is now focusing on deepening the expertise within its Litigation Group through these specific hires. Future announcements may detail how these new partners will handle cases or expand their client base.

The future of Forum Coffee remains uncertain as it faces public scrutiny over allegations that could damage its reputation significantly. The former employee has called for others to share similar experiences, which could lead to a wider investigation by health officials or labor agencies if more evidence emerges. Until then, the community is left with conflicting accounts and serious questions about safety.

Residents of Little Falls are encouraged to monitor official channels from the Morris County Health Department regarding any updates on Forum Coffee's inspection status following its initial shutdown. For those seeking legal services, Scarinci Hollenbeck now offers an expanded team ready to take on new cases in New Jersey and New York markets.