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Jimbos Grill at the Mill closed
Future of restaurant unclear; owner faces legal challenges
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Popular Porterdale restaurant Jimbo’s Grill at the Mill has been closed for more than a week after financial and legal issues reportedly forced owner James Stalvey Jr. to close the establishment temporarily.

A warrant was issued for his arrest for civil contempt of court and Stalvey turned himself in at the Newton County Detention Center on Dec. 12. According to jail records he was held for three days and released on Dec. 21.

There are also allegations made in Newton County Superior Court by a former employee of Jimbo’s who stated in court documents that Stalvey owes him $4,716 in wages. The ex-employee was a cook at the establishment and was reportedly paid $12 an hour.

Documents also show that Stalvey has reportedly failed to pay worker’s compensation premiums in the amount of $4,434.15. Additionally, U.S. Foodservice Inc. sued Stalvey for $16,231.52. On July 14, 2008, Stalvey signed a handwritten note accepting responsibility for the debt and requesting a payment plan.

A judgment totaling $20,031.48 was issued in favor of U.S. Foodservice Inc., and paperwork specified that the company could levy and seize goods to satisfy the judgment and that Stalvey should pay 1.5 percent per month.

According to Walter Davis, owner of the building that Jimbo’s operates in, Stalvey hopes to reopen the restaurant and asked that Davis hold off for a bit on re-leasing it.

"It’s my understanding that he closed [the restaurant] because of a legal dispute," said Davis. "And he hopes to get that issue resolved and re-open."

Numerous e-mail and phone messages for the restaurant owner have gone unanswered. The home number listed for Stalvey has been disconnected.

According to Stalvey's attorney Michael Geoffroy, "Jimbo's Grill at the Mill has temporarily closed due to economic pressures and legal problems with creditors. We look forward to reopening shortly with the same great food, service and value for our patrons."