Legal Drama

Southern Goods chef sues business partner, but plans for new neighborhood restaurant continue

Southern Goods is embroiled in a legal drama.

Photo by Eric Sandler

All is not well between Southern Goods chef-owner Lyle Bento and his business partner Charles Bishop. On October 10, Bento filed a lawsuit against Bishop seeking more than $100,000 in damages, alleging that Bishop is liable for breach of fiduciary duty, common law fraud, and breach of contract.

In his original petition, Bento makes a number of accusations against Bishop, including that he "has routinely utilized company funds for Bishop's personal use . . . (without) authority or permission" and that he has "routinely utilized company funds for the benefit of Bishop's other business ventures." In addition, the document states that Bishop has brought on additional investors without Bento's permission.

If he wins the suit, Bento is seeking to be reimbursed for the money Bishop improperly used, "exemplary damages," and related court costs and attorney fees.

Reached by phone, Bento declined to comment about his lawsuit. When contacted by CultureMap, Bishop seemed surprised but had a few things to say.

"I haven’t been served with anything," Bishop tells CultureMap. "I don’t know anything. I know anything that’s come through Southern is all legit."

Bishop did acknowledge that he and Bento are no longer working together on 60 Pioneers, the "casual and comfortable" neighborhood restaurant that the duo had planned to open together at the former Java Java Cafe on 11th Street.

"I got him off the LLC. I got him off the lease," Bishop says. "He’s not on the lease. He’s not on the LLC. He’s not on that project. That’s his choice."

Bishop says he's still moving forward with the project.

"Anything else, it’s a matter of I know for a fact that anything that’s gone through Southern is all good. Anything that’s been paid has gone through accounting you can trace," Bishop says.

A hearing has been set for October 17 to determine whether Bento will be granted a temporary restraining order to restrict Bishop's access to company funds pending the outcome of a trial or settlement.

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dine by the vines

Exclusive Texas Hill Country winery restaurant named best in the world

Stout's Signature restaurant at Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg

Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's Signature is Grape Creek's members-only restaurant, but a small number of reservations will be offered to non-members.

The Hill Country has no shortage of vineyards and wineries that serve bites with their vintages, but only one Fredericksburg vineyard boasts a restaurant that measures up against the best in the world.

The industry experts at Wine Enthusiast have declared Stout's Signature at Grape Creek Vineyards one of the 57 best destination restaurants in the world. It's the only Texas restaurant to make the cut.

The new honor also elevates Grape Creek Vineyards' reputation as one of the best wineries in the Hill Country region, and its tasting tours are also recognized among the best in the country.

Stout's is a hidden gem restaurant where patrons can enjoy Hill Country-inspired cuisine with their wine tastings, from light bites to a hearty meal, all while the sprawling Grape Creek vineyard beckons from beyond the tables.

Signature dinner dishes like the tenderloin bolognese and meatballs made with veal, pork, and ground beef are must-try picks, but Wine Enthusiast reserves the most praise for its weekend brunch.

"[Stout's] boasts the region’s best Sunday brunch, with tables laden with dishes like Bourbon shrimp and grits with homemade andouille sausage and a breakfast burger with egg, bacon, and avocado," Wine Enthusiast wrote. "A mini pancake stack for the table is a must. Pair it with their Cabernet Trois, a bold blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Ruby Cabernet."

Wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards Pair a pour with an app or an entree.Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's has traditionally been a members-only institution for the Grape Creek Wine Club, but non-members now have a chance to dine at the exclusive restaurant. A limited number of Friday and Saturday evening dinner reservations will be offered to the public after the winery's regular closing at 5:30 pm.

"Stout's Signature has always felt like one of our best-kept secrets, and we wanted to give more people the chance to experience it, especially after being named one of the best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Enthusiast this summer," said Heath Family Brands CEO and founder Brian Heath.

Stout's Signature is located at 10587 US-290 in Fredericksburg. Non-member reservation availability is limited, and can be booked by calling 830-644-2710, opt. 3, or online via heathfamilybrands.com.

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