Paul Qui Is Being Sued for Unpaid Bills

Paul Qui is facing a lawsuit from local farm-focused distributor Farm to Table, the Statesman reports. The restaurant supplier claims that the chef hasn’t paid for goods that were delivered to his namesake restaurant, now closed and reopened as a brand new spot. They’re seeking over $24,000, reflecting the amount of Qui's bill, plus interest.

The chef closed Qui the restaurant last fall, after his well-publicized arrest on assault charges in March 2016 and subsequent stay at a treatment facility. (Statesman also reports that Qui will appear in court to face those charges on Friday, April 7.) During an interview last year, Qui admitted that his arrest affected his restaurants financially, which would mean not just the namesake Qui but also East Side King, East Side King Thai Kun, and Otoko. Qui, however, was the only restaurant to close: the chef repurposed the East 6th Street address into a new spot, Kuneho, with a focus on sushi and small bites, which opened on January 4, 2017. Qui also recently announced that he is expanding into Houston.

Eater reached out to both Qui and Farm to Table. Qui did not respond yet; Farm to Table owner John Lash replied, “No comment.” Farm to Table works with local Texas farms to sell various cuts of meats, vegetables, fruits, and other edible products.

• Lawsuit says Austin chef Paul Qui must pay for goods at his restaurant [Austin 360]
• Chef Paul Qui Is Opening a Restaurant in Houston [EATX]
• Top Chef Winner Paul Qui to Close His Hit Restaurant Qui [EATX]
• Chef Paul Qui Arrested on Assault Charges [EATX]