Toscanini's and the Someday Cafe - what now?

Of course if you're around Boston you've probably heard about Tosci's closing; apparently the owner owes more than $160,000 in back taxes. I didn't realize until today that the owner of Tosci's was also the last owner of Davis Square's late lamented Someday Cafe - and that he's the one who 'forgot' to renew his lease for three months before the landlord decided it was game over. Somerville residents implored the new tenants to share space with the Someday, but the owner of the crepe place that now occupies that (excellent) location was dubious about getting Rancatore involved with his new venture:

Creyf, a 41-year-old Belgian immigrant who plans to start serving crepes there come September, seems quite sure that he does not want to do business with anyone who may not have the business skills and credibility he requires, and said the move to sign a lease was a purely business move on his part.

I imagine he's feeling good about his decision now.

How is it possible to run a business like Tosci's - with its several Greater Boston locations - and simply 'forget' to sign a lease? Or fail to pay down such an enormous debt over the course of years? I mean, personal taxes are one thing, and admittedly he'd lost his Harvard location last year (meaning a steep decline in revenue), but Rancatore can't possibly be as bad at his job as this makes him look, can he?

Can anyone clarify the situation, here? What's the real story on the unpaid taxes? Mistake, malfeasance, and how would you know which one to assume? And as Jeff says, if there's legitimate suspicion that homeboy has been simply evading his taxes and claiming poverty, why would anyone help him? Is 'confusion' a good reason for a 25-year-old business to run up such a debt over five years? Again, not paying taxes for a year I understand, if you're in dire straits; you can make it up easily enough. Getting into trouble because you've taken a risk expanding, that makes sense. But the Rancatores are giving really unsatisfying, even unbelievable reasons for being in this situation. What's the deal? (I'm trying to evaluate the morality of helping them out with a donation. Personally I can't afford to donate, nor would I be particularly inclined to, but I'd like to see the angle if possible.)

I should say, as well, that I'm glad the Rancatores have left the comments section open on their Save Tosci's blog - it's a rancorous and therefore depressingly enjoyable read. In any case, when Someday closed I assumed the owner was a fool. Now there's more evidence to support that supposition - yet I can't help thinking darker thoughts. More's the pity; I liked the rainbow-coloured adopted hometown full of grownups that existed in my mind, thanks.

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From a commenter at the savetosci.com blog:

Toscanini's supports many community charities and schools. They sell great products, and always treat customers with the utmost courtesy. They spare no expense in making the best ice cream. Gus and Mimi live very modestly and plow all earnings back into the business. They have not stashed away the tax money, as the now State realizes. In years past their bookkeepers were incompetent and taxes didn't get paid. Nobody knows how much, so the State made up their own figure--does anybody doubt they chose a highball number? (Gus is too polite to say this publicly.) In fact, they have stayed current with tax payments for several years, despite losing 2 of their 3 stores. They have already caught up with money owed the IRS, and now are dealing with the State. The total owed to the State is mostly for penalties and interest, NOT sales tax collected or payroll tax withheld. Gus did not choose bankruptcy, which would have allowed him to wash his hands of all taxes owed. If the store reopens, employees keep their jobs, the State gets both back and current taxes, and we get great ice cream.

Toscanini's has cleaned up their act. Let's help them over this last hurdle. If you can, pay them back for what they have given the Community over 27 years.