Reopen a restaurant

Signature Southern Bistro – New Roads, LA I, Susan Early, obtained a restaurant in the Heart of the Historical District on Main Street in New Roads, LA. Prior to receiving the keys to the building I had an opportunity to meet the owner/landlord and discuss the “future of the space” that I would be occupying. The gentleman stated I would be given a 5 year lease to conduct the business plan I had in place “Signature Southern Bistro”. During this time we discussed what upgrades would be needed in order to safely and in accordance with DHH standards of operating a restaurant within that space. I received permission to make any necessary upgrades and/or changes to the building because it was agreed that at its present state it was very outdated. The upgrades and changes would ensure I would be able to pass all necessary inspections to successfully open the restaurant. After this meeting the process was in play to have the company come in to see what was needed and if any other services were needed outside of their scope of specialty service. The owner/landlord was advised on the plans for the building and what was being completed. At one point he was contacted in regards to an issue within the building that was causing problems with continued repairs. Upon his arrival he was completely in aww of the amount of work and detail had been put into the space thus far. During which upon completion of the required documents for key exchange he advised that he would only do a 1 year lease instead of the 5 yr. that was agreed upon. I felt I had to continue with what was offered because I had already started on repairs and upgrades with his permission. We proceeded to finalize the endeavor and I was able to successfully complete all upgrades and repairs to pass inspection and open my restaurant. Fast forward to brainstorming on an event that I thought would be great to show support for individuals within the community by hosting a “Drag Brunch” at my restaurant set for April 2023. Immediately following the announcement of the brunch along with public advertising around the month of February 2023. I was contacted by the daughter of the owner/landlord that it would be in my best interest to cancel the brunch because the community did not need that type of audience and if I did not do so that I should then expect circumstances to follow. As time progressed, my family began to receive death threats from individuals in regards to the Drag Brunch so much that the story was picked up my local new networks. Threats of being lynched called into my restaurant, staff being shouted at from the streets while outside working, area churches held meetings and sent memo’s to members in regards to the upcoming event, being contacted via phone which is listed in my personal medical records by my personal primary care physician’s office thinking I had a scheduled appointment to find myself being questioned by the Charge Nurse about my event and hoping they could speak with me an deter me from going forward with the event without the physician’s knowledge of which all were recorded by myself. There were police reports made along with other documented instances of this type of behavior. I was also told online while advertising on my business page from a member of our community that I could have the event but it will cost me my business. In the month of March 2023; it was time for my lease to be renewed. I contacted the owner/landlord in that regard and he stated he would have the lease completed and ready for renewal however it would probably come with stipulations and a possible increase of $100.00. In April 2023, I began experiencing issues with the AC system within the building. I had the company that came out to complete initial repairs and upgrades along with electrical repair to check what the issues maybe. They were unable to find issues with anything within the building. I then contacted the owner/landlord to advise of the issue and ask can he have the building itself checked. He then stated it was probably some upgrade I had completed; I then had to company contact him to advise that everything completed was up to code and in accordance with the building schematic and electrical output. This was concluded it was not any of the repairs/upgrades. Communication from the owner/landlord ceased without response about AC repair. In the same month, I was a host for False River Wine Down in which the AC was not working properly and the owner/landlord was contacted without response. Immediately following was the Drag Brunch in which went off with a success despite the obstacles. During the event it was extremely hot to the point we kept the doors open to the restaurant. Once again contact was made without assistance. During this entire process I continued to pay the lease after March 2023 in which it was due to be renewed. The payments were accepted by the owner/landlord’s business office. Each time I would leave messages with the office to have him call so we can get the lease signed and finalized. I did not receive a return call. Following the success of the Drag Brunch and issues with the AC, the company I used to complete upgrades/repairs decided to come back out to investigate further since I had not received any assistance with the issue. It was then discovered the main unit on the back of building accessible by ladder lever was turned from the “On” position to “Off” in which I have a video of. I then contacted the owner/landlord and he did not want to speak with me in regards to anything involving the building or my lease. He then advised that I need to vacate his building by June 15th with no further discussion and hung up the phone. Following this I was able to speak to the individual’s attorney that aided in the initial lease, I advised that the owner/landlord refused to repair necessary day to day amenities within the building that affected customers and staff. We were advised the back and forward to have the AC repaired is what caused the lease to be terminated. We are currently allowed to remove all food equipment/upgrades and 30,000 fire prevention system upon returning the keys. The company that made the repairs is aware of what has transpired and has offered to remove the equipment, etc. without cost. 

We are kindly asking that anyone that can donate to us it is so appreciated. We want to bring Signature Southern Bistro back but without the proper funding we cannot. We would like to possibly buy a building instead of leasing. We spent our entire life savings in the current building and we have to start over again. We donated to so many people and causes and we are hoping that you can donate to us. We appreciate any donation that is given and your thoughts and prayers are appreciated at this time.