A story in Florida's Sun-Sentinel reported that Dwyane Wade is facing a lawsuit for breach of contract from former partners Mark Rodberg and Richard von Houtman. Rodberg and von Houtman helped Wade open two restaurants last year and were planning a third. But both D. Wade's Sports Grills shut down in the last couple of months and the plaintiffs are saying it's because Wade didn't fulfill his end of the deal by making the required marketing and promotional appearances on behalf the restaurants.Wade, however, is saying that he did meet his obligations and Rodberg and von Houtman , who are looking for $15,000 and attorney's fees, needed to slow their roll and let the restaurants marinate for a minute before expanding.
"If anything, Dwyane has a concern that the value of his name has been tarnished by ceasing operation of the restaurants," Steven Peretz, Wade's attorney, told the Sun Sentinel. "This is an instance where D. Wade called a timeout on the expectation of the restaurants. The pilot restaurants have not shown any record for success."
Our colleague at CNBC, Darren Rovell, took a look at the idea of athletes starting restaurants, and it's not a pretty picture. While there are some success stories, like Elway's Steakhouse in Denver and Don Shula's steakhouse chain all over the east coast, there are a lot of closures. Here's a partial list of some restaurants that recently closed. The list was gathered by Rovell via HeadlinerDiners.com:
Bob Huggins' Hugg's Inn (Cincinnati, OH)
Brett Hull's Restaurant (St. Louis, MO)
Clyde Drexler's BBQ (Houston, TX)
Don Mattingly's Restaurant (Evansville, IN)
George Brett's (Kansas City, MO)
Larry Bird's Boston Connection (Terre Haute, IN)
Michael Jordan's Restaurant (Chicago, IL)
Michael Jordan's 23 Restaurant (Chapel Hill, NC)
Mickey Lolitch's Donut Shop (Detroit, MI)
Pete Rose's Ballpark Cafe (Boca Raton, FL)
Vin Baker's Saybrook Fish House (Old Saybrook, CT)
Wilt Chamberlain's (Boca Raton, FL)

Comments: (16)
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By: dwight on 7/24/2008 10:48PM
star jones ate all the damm food! cloth her dwade , dont try to feed her
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By: Businessman75 on 7/25/2008 11:34AM
These young entreprenuers need to evaluate these business opportunities fully before investing. In today's market, a restaurant is hard to get established and running successfully due to the state of the economy. Now if this would have taken place 5 years ago and gotten a solid foundation, I would say the likelyhood of it being very successful would be high. But to start something like this just a year ago, come on guys. Look into trends and where the market is going and invest so that you fall into that trend. D. Wade, talk to me I got a business idea for you, or anyone else for that matter. trbproperties@aol.com
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By: Star******* on 7/25/2008 11:52AM
Dewayne, come check me out. I'll help a brotha out,what good is Ms Lady on your arms if she can not git-er-done ?? things that make you go hmmmmm ?? Look a sistah up Wade,you won't be sorry,I'll help a brotha out.
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By: NA-NA-BOO-BOO on 7/25/2008 2:46PM
WHO CARES!
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By: Linda on 7/25/2008 3:15PM
Maybe that was not the business for D-Wade. I sure he can something else to do with his money. restaurants isn't it. Open a gym for for young boy to play basketball and stay out of the streets and out of gangs. You know how to work things out dwayane. And do get any more partner exspecially white oines.
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By: Rich on 7/25/2008 3:48PM
I think Rodberg and Von Houtman are trying to make DWADE the fall guy. Give them nothing
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By: Henry Wade on 7/25/2008 5:53PM
Hey little cuz in Florida. Check this! This is Coming from your 53 year old cousion in Phx, AZ who says, I applaud you young brother and all of them on this list and others that at least took a chance and tried to make money work the way it should. You brothers stay tight and straight and the things you do on a positive tip will prosper. Peace from AZ!!
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By: Terrah on 7/25/2008 7:53PM
Nothing beats a failure but a try! He's a positive brotha looking forward to the future.
Hey Sistah's, for Sexy Butt Lift Jeans:
http://stores.ebay.com/BLING-DIVA-JEANS-STORE
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By: C C on 7/25/2008 11:56PM
Well, first of all I would have waited until the restaurant received great reviews and were high on demand. How many appearances was expected from the basketball icon??? He is not sitting at home twingling his fingers. Before any suits were filed, the three should have sat down in multiple meetings to discuss a mutual agreement. Wade, watch out! There are some that are out to get you. Did you consult with your mother and GOD???? Think about that, ok. Love you D Wade, my #3 fo'life!
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By: T.STARR on 7/26/2008 5:54AM
D JUST HOOP DAWG
WHEN YOU RETIRE THEN OPEN UP OTHER THINGS RITE NOW STAY FOCUSED ON BASKETBALL THAT OTHER STUFF WILL COME TO YOU
JUST HOOP #3 JUST HOOP
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