A Delaware-based lender is suing the Pihakis Restaurant Group over a $350,000 loan associated with Rodney Scott’s BBQ in South Carolina.
WCIV is reporting Itria Ventures filed the suit before the remaining Rodney Scott restaurants, in Nashville and Atlanta as well as the flagship location in Charleston, closed on Sunday.
Pihakis Restaurant Group (PRG), one of Birmingham’s most prominent restaurant companies, is currently navigating two lawsuits totaling more than $1 million for unpaid bills, and liens in two counties from developer Michael Mouron with a total topping more than $12.6 million.
According to the 12-page lawsuit filed April 27, the loan was initiated on March 24 at a 25.99% interest rate.
The suit alleges damages of a little less than $365,000, including penalties and fees.
Rodney Scott BBQ, Nick Rae Pihakis, Pihakis Restaurant Group, Pihakis Investment Group, and JER Spirits Investments and RSBBQ Partners were named as defendants.
The Charleston location of Rodney Scott BBQ officially closed on Sunday at 5 p.m. “until further notice,” reported WCSC.
Scott, a James Beard Award-winning chef who grew up working in his parents’ barbecue restaurant in Hemingway, S.C., partnered with Birmingham restaurateur Nick Pihakis to bring the franchise to Birmingham in 2019.
The company began closing restaurants on April 12, when Tasty Town Greek Restaurant and Lounge at 16 14th St. S. in Birmingham permanently shuttered.
Three restaurants in the Pihakis Restaurant Group are remaining open, though it appears all have changed ownership.
Salice in Homewood was formerly Luca Lagotto, with Chef Rita Bernhardt maintaining her position as operating partner and founder.
Little Donkey in Homewood quickly changed hands and was able to survive under new ownership.
And Magnolia Point, the popular Southside dining option that offers Gulf centric cuisine, intends to keep operating.
Dining and Cooking