Hamilton officials seize Chophouse Grill

(Update)

It was supposed to be a reason for celebration. And a cornerstone tenant of the refurbished Lister Block. Real evidence, that Hamilton’s downtown core, was back in business. But the ’28 Lister Chop House’ has served it’s last customer after barely six weeks in business. The restaurant has been a magnet for controversy from the very start and this seems to be the last chapter in a very disappointing story.

Disappointing indeed. Most of Hamilton was pulling for this restaurant, hoping that a conspicuous success, would bring the sorry saga of the Lister Block into a glorious new era. Instead it seems that, once again, a key project in the city has suffered, at the hands of city hall.

It was the sheriff that served up the special of the day — a notice of seizure, from the bailiff. For the second time, the owner of the 28 Lister Chop House, Chris DesRoches, had failed to meet the deadline for rent.

Rome D’Angelo, City of Hamilton : “So, being it was the second notice of default, we felt that we had to step in and take action.”

The stylish eatery has been problem-plagued from its inception. The owner accused of failing to pay his bills. The death of a head chef. Construction issues. A delay in opening.

The city won’t say exactly how much DesRoches owes them, but D’Angelo did give a hint: “Between 10 and 20-thousand.”

But an email from DesRoches claims that he was on the verge of a new deal for the Chop House involving a ‘franchise group who have name and celebrity brand recognition’. He just needed more time: But that, wasn’t on the menu.

Rome D’Angelo: “He was looking for a 48-hour extension to the expiry date this morning — but we refused that extension.”

In an email clarifying the City’s position — D’Angelo says DesRoches’ information was vague. They “didn’t see any type of deposit”. “There was no tangible proof on hand that there was a valid offer on the table, and we weren’t going to accept this in good faith, especially, what’s transpired to date. ”

Instead D’Angelo said, the City is looking ahead: “I’ve had a number of calls in the past six weeks — 12 to 15 reputable restaurant operators that are interested in this space.”

D’Angelo says he hopes to have a new operator in by Christmas, but admits — that’s an optimistic timetable.

DesRoches believes, it’s laughable:  “It took a year for 28 Lister to get a lease from the city. It may take a year for a new tenant to get a lease and liquor license”

Nevertheless, the City intends to move on with some new-found wisdom.

Rome D’Angelo: “Lesson learned is, it’s just understanding the whole commercial leasing business, understanding what kind of due diligence is required in moving forward, and ensuring that the assets and capital are there.”

City officials were accused of failing to thoroughly check the background of Chris DesRoches. A background filled with troubled projects, lawsuits, and claims for unpaid bills. That lack of due diligence may have been the biggest factor in the failure of this project. An oversight that Rome D’Angelo vows will never happen again. One of the things that may delay that optimistic Christmas opening date for a new owner here — is the degree of scrutiny the city intends to employ, in vetting any prospective new owner.