More Than Bread Rises Between 2 Area Bakers

According to documents filed by Breadline in Superior Court in Washington, Marvelous Market made four payments totaling $2,153 while Furstenberg was at Breadline, from the start of their contract on July 1, 2005 to Dec. 31, 2005. Breadline claims the amount owed during those months was $17,472.30.

At the end of the year, Furstenberg sold Breadline to B.D. Washington II Inc., an arm of French company Brioche Doree, which also owns La Madeleine restaurants. The bakery continued to supply baguettes to Marvelous Market through March 13, though no additional payments were made, according to court documents. Breadline's new owners claim they are owed $26,395.95.

B.D. Washington II filed a separate suit against Marvelous Market over the allegedly unpaid bills, but that case has been consolidated with Furstenberg's.

Meyer, the Marvelous Market chief, cited the upcoming trial in declining to comment on Breadline's claims. He wouldn't explain why Marvelous Market didn't pay bills it ostensibly owed. But he said the business, with nine locations, was doing well with record sales this summer and is embarking on a franchising plan.

"We have clear skies ahead," he said.

An attorney representing Breadline, Stephen O'Brien, would not comment on the specifics of the case but said he expected a resolution Thursday when the suit goes before Magistrate Judge Evelyn B. Coburn.

As for Furstenberg, he has been busy tasting food for his latest venture, a bistro in North Carolina. He said any nostalgia for Marvelous Market is gone.

"Eventually, the emotional content of Marvelous Market was dissipated for me," he said.