Ownership of The Pelican Bar at stake in breach of contract lawsuit

GRETNA – A dispute concerning the ownership of a local bar is at the center of a recently filed lawsuit in which a woman claims she was wrongfully deprived of the business that she purchased under an oral contract.

Stephanie Marie Reeves filed suit against Rachael Nicole Block Huizar in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 11.

Reeves contends that she entered into a verbal contract with Huizar over the sale of The Pelican Bar, registered under the name NOLA Dog LLC, located at 5040 Yale St. in Metairie. The plaintiff asserts that in exchange for ownership of the business she would pay all past due bills and make a down payment of $500 made on Feb. 26, 2014 and March 1, 2014 and a continuing $200 payment each week over a two-year period for total of $12,000 as well as bringing all bills up to date and maintain all bill payments for the establishment.

Reeves claims her name was added as an official member to NOLA Dog LLC in a business filing to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, which she says is further evidence of her ownership. However, in June 2014 the plaintiff alleges her name was removed from the business filing without her knowledge.

Reeves contends she continued to operate the bar as its sole owner and made weekly $200 payments to Huizar from the initial agreement until Feb. 3, 2015 when Huizar ordered her and an employee off the premises of The Pelican Bar and changed all of the bar’s locks. The plaintiff asserts that since he was removed from the premises Huizar has refused all attempts to communicate with her.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for a temporary restraining order from transferring the business’s ownership, irreparable injury, loss of income, loss of investment and loss of personal funds.

Reeves is represented by attorney Cynthia D. Samuel of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 746-661.