Owners of Cuco’s Mexican Restaurant sued by landlord over breach of contract

GRETNA – The owners and operators of a local Mexican restaurant are being sued by their former landlord for breach of contract.

Lydia N. Pelias, acting her capacity as the duly appointed and acting trustee of the Pelias Property Trust, filed suit against Rice & Ice LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 7.

Pelias claims that Rice & Ice entered into a commercial lease of a property located at 5048 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, owned by the Pelias Property Trust, for an amount of $7,000 per month from Feb. 1, 2009 to Jan. 31, 2014. The plaintiff alleges that beginning in 2010 the defendants began submitting their rent checks late and by December 2013 and January 2014 they did not provide rent checks at all.

Pelias asserts that during the lease period Rice & Ice was responsible for maintenance of the property, but on Aug. 6, 2013 the property received a violation from the Jefferson Parish Fire Department in relation to problems with the fire sprinkler system. The plaintiff claims in November 2013 the defendants began negotiating to end their lease early, but were unsuccessful in doing so.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for $15,000 for a property and easement tax bills as well as other amounts owed for unpaid rent.

Pelias is represented by Christopher K. Ralston of New Orleans-based Phelps Dunbar LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Donald A. Rowan Jr.

Case no. 735-351.