Investor Sues Tiffani Faison, Alleging Misuse of COVID Funds and Other Financial Missteps | Eater Boston

"A high-profile barbecue spot owned by a nationally known celebrity chef, this restaurant is central to a lawsuit brought by an investor who put in $100,000. The complaint alleges that when the owner took out a $1.5 million loan in 2017 to buy out a business partner, income and operating capital from the barbecue spot were used to pay off that loan while the owner assumed the partner’s full ownership stake rather than redistributing it among investors. The suit also accuses the owner of failing to be transparent about the use of roughly $6.5 million in pandemic relief funds that were granted for this restaurant and a sister, including claims (without documentary evidence in the filing) that some funds were used to over-pay certain employees, possibly including the owner and people close to her; an ex-wife has denied receiving any such funds. The investor further alleges that regular financial reports and accounting of the owner’s compensation and relief-fund expenditures were not provided. The lawsuit seeks the investor’s share of the former partner’s stake, full financial accounts, and unspecified damages. The owner has denied the allegations, calling them misogynistic and bullying, and remains a widely recognized figure whose restaurants have received numerous accolades." - Erika Adams