San Antonio Couple Struggles to Recover $25,000 Investment in Local Restaurant Company
A San Antonio couple who invested $25,000 in a local restaurant business has not received any money back and can no longer contact the former owner. Let's break down their situation and the issues they face.
The Beginning: A Promising Investment
In 2022, Christine and Jason Douglas were approached by Robert Walker, who offered them a five-percent ownership stake in his company if they invested money. Walker's restaurant was changing its name from Papa’s Burgers to The Good News Burgers and planned to expand in San Antonio.
Christine and Jason's son-in-law contributed $8,000 shortly after returning from a deployment in Iraq. They sent Walker multiple money orders as per a promissory note that outlined payment installments.
Problems Arise: No Communication and No Return on Investment
Nearly two years have passed, and Walker has stopped communicating with the Douglases. "It’s infuriating. He shook my hand, which meant a lot, but now it doesn’t mean anything," said Jason Douglas.
Christine added, "It’s heartbreaking because I still don’t own my home, and what I gave him could have paid it off." Their jobs as traveling nurses have made it challenging to follow up on their investment while away from San Antonio.
Legal Troubles: Multiple Lawsuits Against Walker
Bexar County District Court records show that Walker and his company have faced four lawsuits since February 2023. Here are the details:
- 64-Month Lease Dispute: Walker agreed to a long-term lease but didn't pay rent. The court ordered him to pay almost $78,000.
- Another Lease Issue: Walker faces a second lawsuit by the same company over a different location.
- Unpaid Goods: Walker didn't pay for over $11,000 in goods and services. The court ruled he owes $12,800.
- Abandoned Premises: A company sued him for leaving rented space without paying rent. This suit is still pending.
Restaurant Locations and Current Status
Walker didn't respond to any lawsuits or requests for comments. His restaurant locations on San Pedro Ave. and Potranco Road now have new tenants. The location on Enrique Barrera Pkwy. is boarded up and covered in graffiti, while the location on SW 36th Street is operating under new ownership.
Teri Flores, a former manager, said she bought the restaurant from Walker last year. She confirmed the other locations are no longer in business and hasn't heard from anyone involved in lawsuits against Walker.
The Couple's Next Steps: Seeking Legal Help
Christine and Jason Douglas admitted they made a mistake by not having legal representation and lacking business knowledge. They have sent Walker a demand letter and filed a theft report with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). Christine is working with an SAPD investigator to provide financial records signed by Walker.
The investigation is ongoing, and there are no records of Walker facing criminal charges for now.
Explanation of Terminology
- Promissory Note: A written promise to repay a sum of money. For example, if you loan a friend $100 and they sign a note promising to pay you back, that's a promissory note.
- Lease: A contract for renting property. For example, if you rent an apartment for a year, you sign a lease agreement.
- Default Judgment: A court decision made against a party who does not respond to a legal action. For example, if someone sues you and you don’t show up in court, the judge can rule against you by default.
- Demand Letter: A formal letter asking for payment or action. For example, if someone owes you money, you send a demand letter asking them to pay you back.
This situation highlights the importance of having legal and business advice when making significant investments.
