Pihakis restaurants ‘are not infants’: Company fights for action in $394,000 lawsuit
Evans Meats filed suit more than a month ago against the restaurant group.
Ethan Parker 
Legal pressure is mounting for the Pihakis Restaurant Group as attorneys for a creditor are demanding a swift resolution to a pending lawsuit. Evans Meats, which initiated legal action on April 27 in Shelby County Circuit Court, is seeking a total of $394,238.73 plus interest, legal fees, and collection costs related to unpaid meat deliveries.
Default Judgment Requested
In a filing submitted Monday, lawyers representing Evans Meats noted that more than 30 days have elapsed since the original lawsuit was served without a formal response from the restaurant group. Taking a firm stance, the legal team asserted, "The Alabama LLC Defendants are not infants or incompetent persons," while formally requesting that the judge issue a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff.
The lawsuit details outstanding balances across several high-profile concepts, including eight Hero Diner locations, four Rodney Scott BBQs, three Little Donkey restaurants, two Luca restaurants, the Atlanta-based Psito, and the now-shuttered Tasty Town in Birmingham. The complaint alleges breach of contract, claiming the group owes $220,639.21 in combined damages.
A Growing Legal Cloud
This latest legal battle follows a recent setback in Jefferson County. Last week, District Judge Martha Reeves Cook granted a default judgment against the Pihakis Restaurant Group in an eviction lawsuit involving property located at 101 12th St. S., Suite 300. The ruling allows the property owner, 101 Parkside, to take possession after a seven-day appeal window.
The Pihakis Restaurant Group has faced a turbulent spring, having closed more than a dozen locations since March. The company is currently entangled in multiple lawsuits and liens that total more than $12.6 million, according to reports. Despite the widespread closures and financial instability, three Pihakis-affiliated restaurants are continuing operations, reportedly under new ownership.
Attempts to reach legal counsel for Nick Pihakis regarding these ongoing matters have not yet been successful.
