Son of restaurant founder accused of threatening calls to location damaged by explosive device: court records

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Evan Glusman, son of Piero’s Italian Cuisine founder Freddie Glusman, is accused of making threatening calls to the restaurant, according to court records filed on Thursday.

Court records said Glusman called Piero’s and made threatening phone calls. He is scheduled for a revocation hearing, which determines whether a person has violated the conditions of their release, and could lead to parole being revoked.

Overnight Thursday, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials said an “improvised explosive device” exploded at Piero’s. The device was delivered by two men dressed in black, one riding a scooter, then ignited, police said. After burning for a few minutes, it detonated, causing damage to the unoccupied restaurant.

An arrest was made on Friday in the incident. John Navarro was taken into custody and faces eight charges, including possession, manufacture and disposal of an explosive device, first-degree arson, using an explosive device to damage or destroy property, and conspiracy to commit first-degree arson.

Separately, Evan Glusman faces a felony charge of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, lethal agents or toxins prohibited, and a misdemeanor charge of harassment tied to an April incident, court records said.

According to an arrest report, the charges stemmed from an illegal $1.5 million loan Glusman took in Sept. 2024 against his father’s business. After the loan was discovered in April, a text message reportedly from Glusman to the restaurant’s manager said, “I hope you realize I’m drinking and I’m going home to get a gun and [expletive] kill them in the middle of Piero’s.”

The arrest report said Freddie Glusman had become fearful of Evan, that he had access to firearms, was known to be violent, and was an unpredictable, habitual narcotics and alcohol user.

Piero’s Italian Cuisine was acquired by Amazing Brands in June. At that time, a news release stated that Freddie Glusman would retain an ownership stake in the restaurant and continue to be an active presence. However, Amazing Brands would assume full operational control of Piero’s.

“The restaurant is also known for its Las Vegas mob history, adding a unique layer of intrigue to its already rich and colorful legacy,” the June 12 release said.

FOX5 reached out to Josh Tomsheck, Evan Glusman’s attorney, for comment. That statement will be added to this article should it be received. Glusman’s revocation hearing is scheduled for Nov. 25 at 10 a.m.