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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Shuttered Houston brewery will resume production via new partnership

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True Anomaly has outgrown its current facility.

A shuttered Houston brewery is getting a new lease on life. True Anomaly Brewing Co. will resume production courtesy of a new partnership with New Magnolia Brewing Co.

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Beginning in the next few weeks, New Magnolia and select members of the True Anomaly team will begin producing fan favorite beers such as including Scout, Small Giant, Rocket Park, and Ben's House. New seasonal and limited releases are planned for later this year.

Initially, they’ll be available at New Magnolia’s brewery in Lazybrook/Timbergrove. Eventually, they’ll be available via distribution at both Houston-area restaurants and bars and for retail purchase.

True Anomaly cited a number of reasons for its closure on April 30, including the impending I-45 expansion project that will eventually claim its former brewery in EaDo. True Anomaly had plans to open a new location in the East End, but the project didn’t come to fruition.

Founded by four NASA employees who spent decades homebrewing, True Anomaly opened in 2019 and quickly became one of Houston’s most respected breweries. Known for its artisanally crafted farmhouse, Belgian, and foeder‑aged beers, it earned major accolades in just a few years, including a GABF medal and back‑to‑back Brewery of the Year honors at the Texas Craft Brewers Cup in 2023 and 2024.

"True Anomaly was never just a building on Dallas Street — it was the people, the beer, and the community that showed up for us every day,” founder David Lantz said in a statement. “New Magnolia gives True Anomaly the chance to keep brewing that same beer for the same people."

New Magnolia describes itself in press materials as a family-owned brewery that’s been making beer since 2019. It’s located near the Heights at 1616 Bevis St.

craft beer openings true anomaly brewing new magnolia brewing