HOUSTON – The doors of Thirteen by James Harden have been sealed shut after a sign was posted, insinuating the restaurant owes $2.2 million in rent and other expenses.
A sign posted on the restaurant’s door dated Sept. 1 says Thirteen Hospitality Group, LLC owes $2,217,430.05 in unpaid rent.
According to the note, Thirteen Hospitality Group and James Harden signed a lease agreement with the landlord of Midtown Scouts Square Property on July, 29 2020 to operate a restaurant, bar and VIP lounge for a five-year period from July 2020 to July 2025.
On July 17, Thirteen and 13 Strikes signed an extension to the lease, adding 13 Strikes as a tenant, ratifying the agreement and extending the lease term through Oct. 10, 2025, according to court documents.
The letter says the tenants failed to pay rent, resulting in the doors being locked and changed. The letter also stated that a new key would be provided once “delinquent rent and other sums due under the lease” are paid.
Court documents state the tenants not only failed to make monthly payments and pay additional rent under the lease, but also breached the lease by failing to maintain the premises in accordance with the City of Houston, the city’s fire inspector and the city fire code.
When the tenants reportedly failed to comply with the landlord’s requests for payment on Aug. 21, the landlord terminated the lease and is now seeking to recover all past‑due monthly payments and all future monthly payments through Oct. 2025.
Per court documents, James Harden may be served in person at his residence, his place of business, or wherever he is found
If you recall, last year, the restaurant was sued, accused of serving alcohol in excess to the driver responsible for a deadly 2023 crash in downtown.