The Kandi Burruss landlord lawsuit is now settled. In March 2026, a Fulton County judge ordered the RHOA star’s restaurant company to pay $140,509.10 to its former landlord, ending a bitter fight that dragged on for more than a year.
This case centered on Blaze Steak and Seafood, the Atlanta restaurant Kandi co-owned with estranged husband Todd Tucker. Their landlord, Montego Pacific, Inc., originally demanded over $200,000 in back rent and repairs.
The dispute touched on unpaid rent, property damage claims, harassment allegations, and even questions about whether Kandi herself should be on the hook. It got messy. The settlement slashed the amount owed, but the restaurant remains closed.
Here’s everything you need to know about the lawsuit, the settlement, the timeline, and what this case means for anyone running a business out of a leased space.
What Is the Kandi Burruss Landlord Lawsuit About?
The Kandi Burruss landlord lawsuit is a commercial lease dispute between her restaurant company and the property owner where Blaze Steak and Seafood operated. The dispute centers on Blaze Steak and Seafood, a restaurant previously operated by Burruss and Tucker through their company, Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group.
The landlord of Kandi Burruss’ restaurant Blaze Steak and Seafood filed suit against the former Real Housewives of Atlanta personality and her restaurant groups, alleging they owe about $154,000 in past due rent and other charges and did not maintain the property under terms of their lease.
Think of it like renting an apartment, except the stakes are much higher. A commercial lease can include maintenance clauses, repair obligations, and penalty interest. When things go south, the landlord can take the tenant to court for everything owed.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Montego Pacific, Inc. |
| Defendant | Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group |
| Restaurant | Blaze Steak and Seafood |
| Location | Cascade Road, Southwest Atlanta |
| Court | Fulton County State Court |
| Original Claim | Over $200,000 |
According to court documents, Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker’s company, Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group, sought an emergency hearing as part of the lawsuit that was issued in March 2025 by Montego Pacific. The case became one of the most talked-about celebrity business disputes of the year.
How Did the Kandi Burruss Landlord Lawsuit Settlement End?
The Kandi Burruss landlord lawsuit settlement ended with a court-enforced agreement requiring her restaurant company to pay $140,509.10. Legal filings show the company reached a settlement with the landlord to resolve claims arising from a lease agreement, including unpaid rent and remediation costs for the property. The court ultimately enforced that agreement, ordering the business to pay $140,509.10.
The settlement agreement reduced the amount owed and resolved the dispute without further litigation. That’s a significant drop from the original $200,000-plus demand.
The judge later determined that the settlement agreement between the parties was valid and enforceable. Under the ruling, the company must pay the agreed amount while the remaining claims on both sides are dismissed.
- The landlord dropped all extra claims
- The restaurant company dropped its counterclaims
- Both sides walked away from future court dates
Quick Fact: The settlement was announced on March 11, 2026, the same day Kandi and Todd informed the court about their divorce settlement.
How Much Was the Kandi Burruss $140K Settlement?
The exact settlement amount is $140,509.10. According to court docs, the former couple’s company, Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group, settled claims over the lease and agreed to pay the landlord $140,509.10 for rent and remediation costs for their restaurant, Blaze Steak and Seafood.
That number covered two main buckets of expenses.
| Category | Amount Claimed |
|---|---|
| Unpaid Back Rent | $154,139.17 |
| Repairs and Overhead | $56,495.75 |
| Total Landlord Claim | Over $200,000 |
| Final Settlement | $140,509.10 |
| Savings from Settlement | Approximately $60,000+ |
The Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group agreed to pay their landlord $140,509.10 to settle the claims, which included over $150,000 in unpaid rent and $57,000 in repairs. The settlement saved the company tens of thousands compared to the original demand.
For context, $140K might sound like a lot, but in commercial real estate disputes, settling for less than the full claim is considered a win for the tenant.
Key Takeaway: The Kandi Burruss landlord lawsuit ended with a $140,509.10 settlement, cutting roughly $60,000 off the landlord’s original $200,000-plus demand.
What Role Did Blaze Steak and Seafood Play in This Lawsuit?
Blaze Steak and Seafood is the restaurant at the center of this entire legal fight. In 2020, the Real Housewife of Atlanta and her husband Todd Tucker excitedly announced the opening of Blaze Steak and Seafood in Atlanta’s southwest area.
The restaurant had problems from the start. Since then, there’s been a ton of drama around the restaurant: shootings, failed health inspections, and more than a few disappointed customers.
The restaurant scored a 55 on a health inspection, which is considered a failure. It was temporarily shut down in 2021 to fix issues. Then it bounced back, only to face the landlord dispute years later.
- Opened November 2020 on Cascade Road
- Failed health inspection in May 2021 (score of 55)
- Stopped taking reservations by mid-2024
- Landlord filed suit in March 2025
- Settlement reached March 2026
These days, the restaurant is non-operational, and it’s been at the center of a massive lawsuit around unpaid rent and repair costs.
Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group Lawsuit Details
Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group is the legal entity that was named as the defendant in this case. According to court documents, the former couple’s company, Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group, has been ordered to pay $140,509.10 to their former landlord following a dispute over their restaurant, Blaze Steak and Seafood.
The company was formed by Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker to operate their restaurant businesses. It’s separate from them as individuals, which becomes important when you look at personal liability.
The court case was concerning the Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group only after that point. Kandi’s personal name was removed from the lawsuit after the landlord confirmed the company, not Kandi individually, held the lease obligations.
| Entity | Role in Lawsuit |
|---|---|
| Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group | Primary defendant |
| Kandi Burruss (personal) | Dismissed from suit |
| Todd Tucker | Co-owner of defendant company |
| Montego Pacific, Inc. | Plaintiff / landlord |
The company also operated the Old Lady Gang restaurant. But this lawsuit only involved Blaze and the Cascade Road location.
Who Is Montego Pacific and What Did They Claim?
Montego Pacific, Inc. is the commercial landlord that owned the property where Blaze Steak and Seafood operated. They filed the original lawsuit in Fulton County State Court. Montego Pacific Inc., the property owner, filed a lawsuit in Fulton County State Court alleging that the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star and her establishment owe $154,139.17.
The suit claims Blaze owes another $56,495.75 for property repairs, along with a 10 percent overhead fee.
On top of that, the legal filing also stipulates that Burruss must pay an additional $12,083.50 per month in interest until the outstanding rent is fully paid.
- $154,139.17 in back rent
- $56,495.75 in repairs plus overhead
- $12,083.50/month in accruing interest
- 10 days originally given to pay before further legal action
The company was hit with hefty accusations in the suit, claiming the tenants continued “failing to keep the premises in good maintenance and repair when necessitated.”
Montego Pacific’s position was straightforward. They said the restaurant owed money and left the building in bad shape. They wanted every penny.
Key Takeaway: Montego Pacific, Inc. originally demanded more than $200,000 in back rent, repairs, and interest, but settled for approximately $140,509 after months of court battles.
How Did Back Rent and Repairs Spark This Dispute?
Back rent and repair costs were the two main triggers behind this lawsuit. The disagreement began when the landlord initially claimed that the business owed more than $200,000 for back rent and necessary repairs.
Most of this lawsuit revolved around some repairs that needed to be completed on the restaurant. In addition to over $150,000 in unpaid rent, the landlord said they spent $57,000 on repairs that Kandi and Todd neglected to complete.
Here’s where it gets interesting. The repairs weren’t just cosmetic. The restaurant was experiencing foundational and plumbing issues, and their lawyers said that those costs should fall back on the property owner, not the tenant.
| Dispute Item | Landlord’s Claim | Tenant’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Back Rent | $154,139.17 owed | Acknowledged partial amount |
| Repairs | $56,495.75 in costs | Said repairs were landlord’s duty |
| Building Issues | Tenant responsible | Foundational and plumbing problems |
| Interest | $12,083.50/month | Contested via counterclaims |
This is a classic commercial lease fight. Who pays for what depends heavily on the specific language in the lease agreement. Foundational problems usually fall on the landlord. Surface-level fixes usually fall on the tenant.
Did Kandi Burruss Make Harassment Claims Against Her Landlord?
Yes. Kandi’s legal team accused Montego Pacific of harassment during the lawsuit. The company accused the landlord of issuing a June 13 letter outside of the litigation demanding $190,450 in rental payments and for the company to resume business operations within five days.
They asked the court for an emergency hearing on the matter, claiming that the landlord sent the letter with the “sole purpose of harassing and intimidating” the RHOA star.
Kandi’s lawyers argued that threatening legal action while already in the middle of a lawsuit crossed a line. “It is unethical and against public policy for a party and specifically counsel for a party engaged in litigation to threaten criminal proceedings or judicial proceedings for the sole purpose of attempting to gain leverage,” Burruss’ lawyer stated in the filing.
- Landlord sent demand letter on June 13, 2025
- Letter demanded $190,450 payment within 5 days
- Kandi’s team called it harassment
- Filed emergency motion with the court
But the court turned down the motion, saying there was not sufficient cause to conduct an emergency hearing.
What Was the Countersuit Against the Landlord?
Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group filed counterclaims against Montego Pacific during the lawsuit. The RHOA star’s company denied all allegations of wrongdoing and filed some counterclaims against the landlord over the lease.
The counterclaims argued that the landlord was responsible for the expensive building repairs, not the tenant. In a countersuit, Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group argued that repairs needed on the building weren’t its responsibility.
The restaurant was dealing with serious structural problems. Plumbing failures and foundation damage aren’t the kind of things a restaurant tenant should have to fix out of pocket. That’s typically the building owner’s problem.
The landlord declined to accept any payment unless the total amount, including rent, repairs, and interest, was paid at once. This all-or-nothing approach made settlement negotiations even harder.
- Counterclaim: Repairs were the landlord’s obligation
- Counterclaim: Landlord engaged in intimidation tactics
- Result: All counterclaims dismissed as part of the final settlement
This newly agreed-upon settlement squashes all of this, so the countersuit has been dismissed, and they’re all moving forward.
Key Takeaway: Both sides filed claims against each other, but the final settlement wiped the slate clean; Kandi’s company paid $140K, and every other claim was dropped.
Was Kandi Burruss Personally Liable in This Lawsuit?
No. Kandi Burruss was eventually removed from the lawsuit as a personal defendant. Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss has had all claims against her dismissed by the landlord of her Atlanta restaurant that alleged she owed unpaid rent.
“The basis for Montego’s claims against Burruss was that she executed a personal guaranty of a commercial lease in favor of Montego,” a lawyer for Montego said. Once that guaranty issue was resolved, she was taken off the case.
Kandi had her own take on why she was originally named. “I think they just put my name on there anyway so that they could get publicity for the lawsuit,” the Xscape member said.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Was Kandi personally named? | Yes, initially |
| Was she removed? | Yes, claims dismissed |
| Why was she added? | Personal guaranty on the lease |
| Who remained as defendant? | Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group |
Kandi disclosed that her name might have been added for the attention factor. Whether that’s true or not, the legal outcome was clear. The company, not Kandi as an individual, bore the financial responsibility.
Kandi Burruss Landlord Lawsuit Timeline in 2026
The Kandi Burruss landlord lawsuit timeline stretched from early 2025 through March 2026. Here is the complete chronological breakdown.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2020 | Blaze Steak and Seafood opens in Atlanta |
| May 2021 | Restaurant fails health inspection (score: 55) |
| Mid-2024 | Restaurant stops taking reservations |
| March 2025 | Montego Pacific files lawsuit in Fulton County |
| March 2025 | Kandi dismissed as personal defendant |
| June 13, 2025 | Landlord sends $190,450 demand letter |
| July 2025 | Emergency motion filed and denied |
| March 11, 2026 | Settlement agreement enforced by court |
| March 11, 2026 | $140,509.10 payment ordered |
The case had been active in court for more than a year. Most commercial lease disputes take 6 to 18 months to resolve, so this case fell right in the typical range.
Both sides engaged in months of litigation, presenting conflicting arguments over the lease and responsibilities tied to the property.
What Did the Court Rule in the Kandi Burruss Lawsuit?
The court ruled that the settlement agreement between the two parties was legally binding and enforceable. After the back and forth in court, the judge determined that the settlement agreement between the parties was valid and binding.
As part of the ruling, the court ordered that Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group must pay the $140,509.10 outlined in the settlement, while all other claims between the parties will be dismissed.
This is what’s known as a consent judgment. Both sides agreed to the deal, and the court signed off on it. If the company doesn’t pay, the landlord can go back to court and enforce collection.
- Ruling date: March 11, 2026
- Amount ordered: $140,509.10
- Claims dismissed: All remaining claims from both sides
- Enforcement: Court-ordered; legally binding
Legal analysts note that this type of resolution is common in commercial disputes, where both parties aim to avoid lengthy trials and additional legal fees.
Key Takeaway: The Fulton County court confirmed the settlement as valid and binding on March 11, 2026, ordering the restaurant group to pay $140,509.10 and dismissing all other claims.
Is Blaze Steak and Seafood Still Open?
No. Blaze Steak and Seafood appears to be permanently closed. Despite the settlement, Blaze Steak and Seafood remains closed, and it is uncertain if the restaurant will ever reopen for business.
The restaurant stopped operating well before the lawsuit was resolved. The restaurant’s social media pages have not been updated in months, and its website displays different operating hours from those listed on Yelp. The reservation platform Resy no longer allows users to make bookings for the establishment.
Customers who tried to visit in mid-2024 found the doors locked with no notice. A passerby informed customers that Blaze Steak and Seafood had not been open for weeks.
| Status Indicator | Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Doors | Closed |
| Social Media | Inactive for months |
| Resy Bookings | Disabled |
| Landlord Dispute | Settled |
| Reopening Plans | None announced |
The landlord of Blaze Steak and Seafood, Montego Pacific, occupied the building to make repairs, leaving the restaurant closed and in limbo.
How Did the Kandi Burruss Divorce Affect the Business?
The landlord lawsuit settlement and Kandi’s divorce from Todd Tucker happened at almost the exact same time. She just settled her divorce from Todd Tucker, and the pair also resolved an ongoing lawsuit related to their restaurant, Blaze Steak and Seafood.
On March 11, 2026, Burruss and Tucker informed the court that they had reached a “full and final settlement” in their divorce. That’s the same date the landlord lawsuit was resolved.
The divorce itself involved a separate financial settlement. Kandi owes Todd a net payment of $426,388.77, with $250,000 due upon execution of the agreement and the remaining $176,388.77 due within 90 days.
Between the $140K landlord settlement and the $426K divorce equalization payment, March 2026 was an expensive month.
“Having all those different businesses has been a stressful situation,” Kandi explained. She has since indicated she wants to step away from restaurant ventures and return to creative projects like music and Broadway.
- Divorce finalized: March 24, 2026
- Landlord settlement: March 11, 2026
- Divorce lump sum: $426,388.77
- Landlord payout: $140,509.10
- Combined legal costs: Over $566,000 in settlements alone
What Can Business Owners Learn from This Lease Dispute?
The biggest lesson from this case is that clear lease agreements prevent expensive lawsuits. Experts suggest that the settlement reflects the importance of negotiating clear lease agreements and maintaining open communication with landlords.
The case illustrates that disputes over back rent and repairs are not unusual, even for businesses backed by public figures.
If you’re signing a commercial lease, pay close attention to three things:
- Maintenance clauses: Who pays for structural repairs versus cosmetic fixes?
- Default provisions: What happens if you fall behind on rent?
- Personal guaranty language: Will you be personally liable if the business can’t pay?
This case also shows why settling can be smarter than fighting. The original claim was over $200K. The settlement was $140K. That’s a $60,000 reduction, and it avoided trial costs that could have added tens of thousands more.
Lease obligations and maintenance responsibilities often become points of tension for restaurant operators, and these challenges require careful financial planning and legal oversight.
Key Takeaway: Every business owner signing a commercial lease should clarify repair obligations, default penalties, and personal guaranty terms before putting pen to paper.
Why Celebrity Restaurant Lawsuits Happen More Than You Think
Celebrity restaurant lawsuits are surprisingly common. The case drew attention due to Burruss’s public profile, highlighting that celebrity status does not exempt business owners from standard legal obligations.
Restaurants are one of the riskiest businesses to run. Margins are thin. Overhead is brutal. When a celebrity attaches their name to a restaurant, they often bring publicity but not always operational expertise.
The case illustrates that disputes over back rent and repairs are not unusual, even for businesses backed by public figures.
Kandi’s situation mirrors patterns seen across the restaurant industry:
- Celebrity opens restaurant with fanfare
- Operational problems emerge (health inspections, staffing, complaints)
- Financial pressures build over time
- Lease disputes escalate to lawsuits
- Settlement or closure becomes the only path forward
For Burruss, who balances a public entertainment career and business ventures, the case is a reminder of the responsibilities that accompany entrepreneurship.
The restaurant business doesn’t care about your Instagram following. It cares about rent payments, health codes, and lease compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Kandi Burruss pay in the landlord lawsuit settlement?
Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group settled for $140,509.10 covering rent and remediation costs.
The original claim was over $200,000, so the settlement represented a significant reduction.
Both sides dropped all remaining claims after the payment was ordered.
Was Kandi Burruss personally responsible for the restaurant’s debt?
Kandi Burruss had all personal claims against her dismissed by the landlord.
The lawsuit continued against Burruss Tucker Restaurant Group only.
Kandi said she believed her name was added to the suit for publicity purposes.
Is Blaze Steak and Seafood permanently closed?
Blaze Steak and Seafood remains closed, and it is uncertain if the restaurant will ever reopen.
The restaurant stopped operating before the lawsuit was settled.
No reopening plans have been announced as of 2026.
Who sued Kandi Burruss over unpaid rent?
Montego Pacific Inc., the property owner, filed the lawsuit in Fulton County State Court.
They alleged the restaurant owed over $154,000 in back rent plus $56,000 in repairs.
Kandi was later removed as a personal defendant.
When was the Kandi Burruss landlord lawsuit settled?
The settlement was announced on March 11, 2026.
The judge confirmed the agreement was valid and binding on that date.
The case had been active in court for more than a year before the resolution.
The Kandi Burruss landlord lawsuit is a textbook example of how commercial lease disputes can spiral. A $200K claim became a $140K settlement, but the restaurant never recovered.
If you’re a business owner with a lease, read every word of your agreement. Know who pays for repairs. Understand what a personal guaranty means before you sign one.
Keep an eye on similar cases in 2026. Celebrity or not, landlord disputes can happen to anyone.
