By JOE MARUSAK
The Charlotte Observer
CORNELIUS – Midtown Sundries – Harborside, one of Lake Norman’s oldest restaurants, closed Wednesday morning amid a drop in business and financial difficulties of its property owner.
Mecklenburg County tax records show that Paul Steadman, manager of Fort Mill-based Jorja Properties LLC, owes about $61,000 in back taxes on the Midtown Sundries-Harborside property at 18665 Harborside Drive. Foreclosure proceedings were filed Sept. 30 in Mecklenburg County court against Steadman and Jorja Properties.
In September, the N.C. Secretary of State’s office revoked the right of Jorja Properties to do business in the state after it failed to file required annual reports, records show.
Mecklenburg County court records, meanwhile, show that Steadman and Jorja Properties have sued Midtown Sundries-Harborside owner Luther Caudle twice this year for money they say they were owed. Neither Steadman nor Caudle have returned calls placed by the Observer this morning.
Jorja Properties has posted “no trespassing” signs at the entrance to the 12-year-old restaurant. Signs have also gone up announcing that a new restaurant will open there soon called Latitude 36 Raw Bar & Grille.
Nancy Caudle, a part-owner of Midtown Sundries – Harborside who is Luther Caudle’s ex-wife, told the Observer the economy was a factor in the closing as well as the financial problems of Jorja Properties. She said Midtown Sundries’ Denver and University City locations are unaffected by the situation and will remain open.
A message posted by Midtown Sundries – Harborside management on the front doors of the restaurant thanks patrons for their support over the years.
“You are like family to us,” the message reads. “We have appreciated having the opportunity to play an important role in the community since 1999.”
Observer staff researcher Maria David contributed.
This story is reprinted with permission from The Charlotte Observer as part of DavidsonNews.net’s participation in the Observer’s Charlotte News Network.
