Rodney BondsThe CEO of BK Lobster, a popular seafood brand in Brooklyn, New York, has come under fire. Bonds is accused of defrauding investors out of up to $300,000.
He also allegedly targeted black businesswomen in his alleged scheme. In turn, Bonds alleges that he did not defraud anyone. Instead, he was simply “unaware of certain New York state franchise laws.”
Currently, Shade room Justin Carter is investigating this tragic incident.TSR Investigation‘
More Details on the Allegations Against BK Lobster’s Rodney Bonds
According to Carter, the BK Lobster franchise was reportedly launched “during the pandemic” with the help of investors from across the country. However, in recent months, multiple individuals have accused Bonds of “tricking them” into “fraudulent deals and contracts.”
After investigation, The Shade Room confirmed that multiple franchise locations have been “closed.”
“I initially invested $46,000,” Dara Bradley told Carter, explaining that she invested her money in a location in Queens in May 2021. “He claimed that he brought in a flat screen [and] He bought some chairs — that’s all he did.”
Over the course of eight months, Bonds alleged he paid $9,000 in rent for the venue. According to Bradley, this was later proven to be untrue, and Bonds allegedly pocketed about $200,000.
Here’s what the CEO said in response
Then, in 2022, the New York Attorney General’s Office revealed that BK Lobster “has never been registered to sell franchises in or from the state of New York.”
In response, Bonds allegedly told Bradley he couldn’t pay her back because of “tax issues.”
“I was like, ‘What kind of tax complexities are you talking about? You never gave me anything…’ Bradley told Carter. “That’s when I got mad at him.”
Bradley is said to have filed a lawsuit against Bonds, accusing him of “intentionally” stealing her money.
Scroll up to see more investors share their experiences with Carter. He reviews contracts signed by Bonds and several individuals. Additionally, Carter shares Bond’s reported response to the allegations.
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