The Republic Restaurant and Bar has been locked out of its West Broad space. (Photos by David Larter)
The taxman wants his money.
The Republic Restaurant and Bar has been locked out of its West Broad Street space for the second time in seven months by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
A notice posted Tuesday on the Republic’s front door says the state wants its money by the end of the week or it can seize the business’s assets.
The Department of Taxation’s notice.
It cites two judgments for unpaid taxes dated in 2011 and 2012 totaling about $137,000. In all, the business, led by restaurateur Antonio Hawkins, owes about $300,000 in state, federal and local taxes.
“They have three days to make good, and at that point we can exercise a number of options. It’s the government, though, so there is a process,” said Joni Montalbano, who is handling the Republic case for the state. “It’s not like we’re going to be in there on Monday. There is a lot of paperwork to be done.”
The Republic was first locked out of its space at 2053 W. Broad St. in July. It promptly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to reopen and try to reorganize its debts.
That Chapter 11 case was dismissed Feb. 8 after the state claimed the Republic had continued to rack up debt during its bankruptcy. Hawkins told BizSense last week that he had worked out a payment plan with the state.
Hawkins did not return a request for comment by press time.
The Republic Restaurant and Bar has been locked out of its West Broad space. (Photos by David Larter)
The taxman wants his money.
The Republic Restaurant and Bar has been locked out of its West Broad Street space for the second time in seven months by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
A notice posted Tuesday on the Republic’s front door says the state wants its money by the end of the week or it can seize the business’s assets.
The Department of Taxation’s notice.
It cites two judgments for unpaid taxes dated in 2011 and 2012 totaling about $137,000. In all, the business, led by restaurateur Antonio Hawkins, owes about $300,000 in state, federal and local taxes.
“They have three days to make good, and at that point we can exercise a number of options. It’s the government, though, so there is a process,” said Joni Montalbano, who is handling the Republic case for the state. “It’s not like we’re going to be in there on Monday. There is a lot of paperwork to be done.”
The Republic was first locked out of its space at 2053 W. Broad St. in July. It promptly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to reopen and try to reorganize its debts.
That Chapter 11 case was dismissed Feb. 8 after the state claimed the Republic had continued to rack up debt during its bankruptcy. Hawkins told BizSense last week that he had worked out a payment plan with the state.
Hawkins did not return a request for comment by press time.