In what could easily be mistaken for a plotline from a legal drama, Trump Burger, a Houston-area restaurant chain named in honor of the 45th president, finds itself locked in a bitter dispute with its Kemah location’s landlord.
The lawsuit, which was filed on June 24, claims the landlord, Archie Patterson, illegally took control of the restaurant only three months after its opening. Here’s a breakdown of the legal drama, with accusations, counterclaims, and a brewing battle over the restaurant’s future.
The Alleged Takeover of Trump Burger
The lawsuit, filed in Harris County District Court, accuses Archie Patterson of unlawfully seizing control of the Kemah Trump Burger location on June 7.
According to the complaint, Patterson continued to operate the business under the Trump Burger brand without authorization, and has been diverting the profits into his personal accounts. As of the latest reports, Patterson has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, despite attempts to reach him for comment.
Lease Dispute and Sudden Termination
Roland Beainy, the owner and manager of Trump Burger, claims that there were no prior signs of leasing issues before Patterson took control. Beainy insists that he never received a default notice or any indication that there were problems with the lease.
The conflict escalated when Beainy refused to sign an addendum to their lease agreement, leading Patterson to issue a lease termination notice on June 9. This move effectively halted the restaurant’s operations and created an unexpected and chaotic situation just days after Beainy’s rejection of the updated lease terms.
A Battle Over the Liquor License
The legal dispute isn’t confined to the lease alone. Beainy also alleges that Patterson failed to transfer the restaurant’s liquor license as promised, even after Beainy made a $20,000 payment for the license.
Despite the payment, Beainy claims that Patterson did not complete the transfer and instead gave him a series of excuses when questioned about the delay.
Employees Left in Limbo
In a further twist to the saga, Beainy claims that Patterson instructed him to continue paying employees even after they were barred from entering the restaurant. This not only created a situation where the workers could no longer perform their duties but also contributed to the financial strain on the business.
The Kemah Location’s Unique Appeal
Before the dispute, the Kemah location of Trump Burger was gaining a reputation for being more than just a typical burger joint. Known for its vibrant evening atmosphere, the restaurant offered live music and dancing, making it a popular social hub in the area.
The restaurant, which opened in March 2025, is part of a small chain with other locations in Bellville, Houston, and Flatonia near San Antonio. These other locations have not faced the same landlord disputes, making the Kemah location’s issues particularly surprising.
Seeking Compensation for Damages
As the lawsuit moves forward, Beainy is seeking damages that include compensation for improvements made to the property, lost potential revenue, and damages for what he views as the unauthorized use and exploitation of the Trump Burger brand.
The outcome of this case could have major implications for the restaurant’s future, and the legal battle is expected to continue for some time.
The lawsuit between Trump Burger and its Kemah landlord is quickly becoming a high-stakes legal drama, with accusations ranging from illegal seizure of property to financial misconduct. The dispute has put a spotlight on the business’s operations and the challenges that can arise in the restaurant industry.
With the future of the Kemah location hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how the case unfolds and whether Beainy will be able to recover his losses and regain control of the popular burger joint.
