Why did Jared Kushner end litigation over a dispute with two New Jersey restaurants?
President-Elect Donald Trump has praised his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, saying that the 35-year-old businessman could play a role in trying to bring peace to the Middle East.
Whether or not that is possible, Kushner has brought some peace to Long Branch, New Jersey by agreeing to a settlement in a lawsuit brought by two local businesses. Kushner had been seeking to evict Stewart's Root Beer and Corner Café & Bistro from his Pier Village development but has now relented.
Developer Did Not Countersign Renewal Leases for the Restaurants
The lawsuit arose over a lease dispute between the two restaurants and the Kushner Companies, Kushner's development company. The restaurants had been leasing at Pier Village years, but their leases were both due for renewal in 2015, not long after the original developer of Pier Village sold the retail premises to Kushner's company and another company.
Although the restaurant proprietors negotiated new leases that included a rent increase, they never received countersigned copies. Instead, they were told that there was no signed final lease and that they could lease the premises month-to-month.
Restaurants Sue and Fight Eviction
The restaurant owners sued, and Kushner's company responded with an eviction notice. Because there were a large number of other vacancies in the development, the plaintiffs suspected that Kushner and his business partner were seeking to empty the retail space to make room for national chains.
A Confidential Settlement Ends the Litigation
Kushner's company has now settled the case and the restaurants can stay. A spokesman said the company was pleased to be able to reach an agreement. The terms of the settlement were not made public, nor was it explained why the developer decided resolve the dispute out of court.
Jared Kushner is rumored to be under consideration for a high-level advisory position in the Trump administration in Washington DC. His company, meanwhile, is engaged in redeveloping the Monmouth Mall in Eaton for both housing and retail use.
Not all lease or contract disputes can be resolved so quietly. If you are involved in a business dispute, an experienced trial attorney can help you assess the strength of your claim. Consulting an expert in business litigation may the best strategy for achieving your objective, in or out of court.