Overheard someone saying that Merlino and his boys were causing a ruckus in Chickie & Petes a few weeks ago. Apparently trying to shake it down.
If true, it would appear to be "business as usual" for LCN; an "garden variety" extrortion (nod to PB for the expression ). Except, Chickie and Petes finances have/were/are under watch because they were strong arming their employees.