Harden Houston restaurant closure follow-up: Mother becomes a defendant, rent arrears exceed $2 million

September 15 According to the Houston Times, James Harden's mother became a defendant for owing rent. Monica Willis, the mother of former Rockets star James Harden, was added to a lawsuit last Wednesday regarding rent default. The lawsuit involves Thirteen, a downtown restaurant opened by Harden in 2021. At present, Thirteen restaurant has been closed and a notice is posted on the door saying it is "delinquent rent and other payables." Unpaid rent has exceeded $2 million.

A revised complaint obtained by The Houston Times shows that Willis had promised to pay "extra rent" in exchange for lease negotiations and subsequent lease exceptions, but these additional rents were never paid, and the complaint reads: "Ms. Willis made several statements and agreements for paying additional rents on behalf of the tenant during the lease process. However, the plaintiff learned that Thirteen never intended to pay additional rent. The additional rent is still accumulating and not paid. In addition, since the lease negotiations, Ms. Willis' direct meaning is contrary to the agreement, and she has never intended to pay additional rent."

"Extra rent" usually refers to any expenses to be paid by the tenant, including property taxes, utility bills, public area maintenance fees (CAM), insurance premiums and late fees. The plaintiff demands $1 million in damages and may further recover other damages and legal costs. The

Thirteen restaurant was opened by James Harden in 2021 when he just transferred from the Rockets to the Nets. Since then, he has also played for the 76ers and currently plays for the Clippers. In 2024, Thirteen restaurant was remodeled, launching a new menu and new renovation designed by well-known chef Siddartha Caden. However, the remodeled restaurant lasted only 18 months and was eventually closed and faced lawsuits due to rent defaults.

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