Bears Idonije Sued Over Back Rent From Failed Restaurant Venture

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Dec 20, 2012 8:35PM

Chicago Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije finds himself on the wrong end of a lawsuit after he and a partner in a South Loop restaurant venture were sued for back rent.

According to the lawsuit, Idonije and Alain Njike, chef-partner of the now-shuttered Alain's at 13555 S. Michigan Ave., owe $94,000 in back rent and other expenses related to the business venture. 1400 Museum Park Commercial, LLC, listed as the landlord of the property, claimed Idonije and Njike signed a lease with a personal guaranty in August 2011, but the restaurant was served with a eviction notice after less than two months in business. Landlords claimed they hadn't seena rent payment prior to the restaurant's opening and contractors filed a separate lien for $15,655 in unpaid expenses related to the restaurant's buildout.

Kelley Speck, president of The Realis Group, LLC and Idonije’s business manager, said her client is only guilty of helping out a friend in need:

“It is unfortunate that Israel’s genuine kindness has resulted in a lawsuit against him. A minor contribution was given from Realis Group to help a friend achieve his dream of opening a restaurant.

“Neither Israel nor the Realis Group were involved with day-to-day management of the restaurant or with any business decisions made by Alain Njike. As soon as this matter was brought to my attention, I began working to resolve it and remain actively engaged in solving the issue in the most appropriate manner.”

Has Idonije not watched Broke, the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary about how athletes blow through the money they make in their playing careers, even as they're making it? A restaurant is among the last things athletes should be investing in. See also: car washes, retail and stocks endorsed by Lenny Dykstra.

The former Alain's space is being turned into the upscale Mediterranean Kurah, according to Eater Chicago. Kurah will be owned by Daniel Darkiss of Zaytune Mediterranean Grill in Bridgeport, arguably the best Mediterranean fast food in the city.