Caterer who received $614K from state of Louisiana sued by Jefferson Parish

GRETNA – A local governmental unit is suing a caterer who held a contract to provide food for a local convention center.

Jefferson Parish filed suit against Messina’s Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 25.

Jefferson Parish claims Messina’s provided catering services at the Alario Center beginning Jan. 6, 2011. The plaintiff alleges that under the contract the defendant was to pay them commission of sales before the 15^th of each month. Jefferson Parish asserts that Messina’s provided catering services during Hurricane Isaac from Sept. 5 through Sept. 12, 2012 when the Alario Center was rented out by the state. Through the agreement the sales commission should have been due by Oct. 15, 2012, but was allegedly never paid.

The plaintiff claims Messina’s invoiced the State of Louisiana in the amount of $725,577.28 for catering sales made during the week the Alario Center was rented out and that the State of Louisiana made a payment in the amount of $614,896 on Oct. 15, 2012.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

Damages in the amount of $130,603.91 plus interest in the amount of $29,385.87 are sought by the plaintiff.

Jefferson Parish is represented by Gretna-based W. Reed Smith, senior parish attorney.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.

Case no. 735-845.