Landlords sued by Beer Garden proprietors in Del Ray

In the heart of Del Ray, a popular local establishment, The Mill Street Draft Garden, finds itself in a precarious position. Owners Jeremy Barber and Justus Frank have filed a lawsuit against their landlord, Twenty-Third Street Corridor LLC, in an attempt to secure their business's future.

The Garden, which opened its doors in January 2019, has been a staple of the community ever since. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over its future. The property, valued at $573,000 (as per the city's January 2021 assessment), is currently being marketed for rent.

The landlord initially offered to sell the property to Barber and Frank for $1.8 million, an offer that the owners declined. If a deal can't be struck, the business may have to move.

The property, according to the lawsuit, was in an extremely poor condition before the renovations undertaken by Barber and Frank. The owners are seeking a court order to stop the landlord from attempting to evict them, as well as compensation for rent overpaid and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

The lease for The Garden expires in November, but the landlord has refused to honour the five-year renewal option. Voustas, a representative for the landlord, stated that the property is currently on the market for rent.

Barber and Frank have had attorney Heather R. Steele on retainer since January. If they win their case, they will have the right of first refusal if the property is sold.

The Garden remains open for business, operating as usual through Labor Day weekend. Despite the legal battle, the owners are hopeful that a resolution can be found to keep the beloved establishment in its current location.

The lawsuit was filed in Alexandria Circuit Court. As of now, whether the property can be leased during the lawsuit is "up to the attorneys." The case is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.