Original California Taqueria accused of rent nonpayment

Cobble Hill’s Original California Taqueria is known by locals for its nachos and namesake California-style burritos — and for allegedly not paying rent in seven years. Landlord Ramon Palermo claimed in 2013 the eatery at 187 Court Street owed him $312,000 in back rent, a sum which Palermo advertised on a sign attached to the top of his blue Subaru Forester.

“CALIFORNIA TAQUERIA Continues to ABUSE the Landlord: ‘WWII VET.’ REFUSES TO PAY RENT…OWES $312,000,” the sign read, according to an article in the New York Daily News at the time.

While business remains active at the 25-year-old Mexican restaurant, its future is in question. As it happens, the building was recently listed for sale. Asking $3,850,000, the 2,318-square-foot mixed-use building lists two first-floor retail units and one second-floor, three-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a terrace.

When called for comment regarding the renewal of Original California Taqueria, a respondent at Ideal Properties Group, who declined to give his name, laughed. “They haven’t paid their rent in seven years,” he said. “They’re going to court on October 27. Their last day is October 22.” The bottom floor will be kept commercial.

At the taqueria on Monday, however, there was no sign of an impending move or closure. The taqueria owner, Robert Donnelly, told the Daily News back in 2013 that the building owner refused to make repairs or accept rent.

Donnelly’s attorney, Leon I. Behar, denied allegations the restaurant has not paid rent in seven years and that the shop will be closing on October 22. Behar and Donnelly are in fact taking Palermo to court on October 27 over slander and not allowing Donnelly to pay rent, Behar told Brownstoner.

187 Court Street Listing [Ideal Properties Group]

Original California Taqueria accused of rent nonpaymentOriginal California Taqueria accused of rent nonpaymentOriginal California Taqueria accused of rent nonpayment


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