NBA player James Harden’s Houston restaurant, Thirteen, has been locked out by its landlord over unpaid rent. According to a notice posted by Midtown Scouts Square Property, Thirteens Hospitality Group owes $2.2 million in rent. The sign on the door, dated September 1, states that the owners can receive a new key once the debt is paid.
The landlord informed the restaurant of its lease violations on August 21 before ending the lease and locking the premises. In addition to posting the notice, Midtown Scouts Square Property has filed a lawsuit against Harden and his hospitality group seeking at least $1 million in damages. The lawsuit claims that while both parties agreed to extend the lease through October after it ended in July, monthly payments were still not made.
Thirteen opened in 2021 at 1911 Bagby Street as a steakhouse and hookah lounge offering Southern-inspired dishes across 15,000 square feet. Harden launched the venture toward the end of his nine-season career with the Houston Rockets and continued involvement after leaving for Brooklyn. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Midtown is known as a popular nightlife destination in Houston due to its walkability, which is uncommon in much of Houston. The area has seen redevelopment recently with projects such as demolishing an old McDonald’s and relocating a Greyhound station. Midtown also stands out in Houston’s multifamily housing market with average rents reaching $1,800 per month according to data from the Greater Houston Partnership. Recent investment activity includes Bow River Capital’s acquisition and rebranding of Camden Midtown Apartments at 2303 Louisiana Street.
