Pizza buffet issued eviction notice

SPRINGFIELD — A local Cici’s restaurant has been issued an eviction notice and is being sued for more than $82,000 for non-payment of rent and other charges. The franchise owner of the business, however, said the issue is being worked out and the store will not close.

Galations III, LLC, of Columbus filed the complaint against Braety Brand, LLC, dba CiCi’s Pizza, 1985 N. Bechtle, in Clark County Common Pleas Court on Sept. 17.

According to the complaint, Galations issued an eviction notice to Braety Brand for the Bechtle Ave. Cici’s on Aug. 16. The notice gave CiCi’s until Aug. 25 to vacate the premises. The restaurant was open for business on Wednesday.

Cici’s leased the $5,667-a-month store-front in March 2008, according to the complaint. The lease expires in 2015.

The complaint does not specify if the $82,539.47 in charges includes rent due through the end of the lease.

Jim Harness, franchise owner, said Galations had recently raised the rent, creating a burden for all the tenants in the center.

“Other people have had an issue with the (increase),” he said.

Harness said he expects an agreement to be worked out “and hopefully we can continue on.”

The attorney for Galatians was not available for comment Wednesday.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.

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