Parties agree to 30-day injunction in rent dispute litigation

In January, Cajun Country Cookers filed a request for a temporary restraining order, claiming their new landlord unjustly jacked up its rent from $100 a month to $100,000.

On Monday, April 4, Cajun Country and defendant Brittaney Atwood agreed to a 30-day injunction while the parties attempt to mediate the matter.

As previously reported, Cajun Country filed the TRO request against Atwood, doing business as Energy Conservation Co., on Jan. 28 in Jefferson County District Court.

The injunction hearing was held in Judge Milton Shuffield's 136th District Court.

Court records show that on Jan. 21 Cajun Country received a letter from Atwood stating that its lease had expired on Dec. 1 and the company would be evicted from the building unless the lease was renewed.

According to the lawsuit, Cajun Country had purchased the building in question, located at 510 Bowie St. in Beaumont, on Dec. 1, 2004, for the purposes of storing around $200,000 worth of supplies and equipment.

Court papers say the company paid $100 a month in rent to Union Pacific Railroad for use of the land hosting the building. However, UPR sold the land to Atwood in August, who claims she now owns the building as well as the land.

"Defendant informed the plaintiff that the monthly rent would be increased from $100 per month to $100,000," the suit states.

The plaintiff also claims Atwood has been threating Cajun Country employees who use the building.

Beaumont attorney David Bernsen represents the plaintiff.

No attorney was on file for the defendant.

Case No. D189-276