Viva Barcelona closed June 12 after allegedly not paying its rent. (West Life photos by Kevin Kelley)

BREAKING NEWS
Viva Barcelona closed following eviction
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
Web Published 5:30 p.m. June 13, 2008

Viva Barcelona, the popular Detroit Road restaurant known for its Spanish cuisine, closed Thursday after allegedly not paying rent to its landlord.

A sign announcing Viva Barcelona's closing.

On Friday, a small sign saying “Temporarily closed!! Sorry!!” had been placed at the restaurant’s main door. Calls to the restaurant reached a recording. Attempts to reach Viva Barcelona owner Nick Asimakis were not successful.

According to papers filed in Rocky River Municipal Court, Running Bulls LLC, which does business as Viva Barcelona, owed $36,683 in rent, maintenance fees and other charges. These include not paying rent of $7,800 for April and May, the documents said.

The restaurant’s landlord, Teal Investment, filed an eviction notice May 2. At a June 2 hearing before Magistrate Hugh Carlin, restaurant owner Nick Asimaris admitted to nonpayment of rent, according to a court document. By agreement of the parties, the court stayed the eviction until June 12. A stipulation said Teal Investment would file a motion to vacate the eviction if a partial payment of $30,000 was made on or before June 12.

David Gomersall, owner of Teal investment, was not available for comment.

However, Kay O’Boyle of Teal confirmed that Viva Barcelona had closed temporarily. She told West Life that Teal hoped the restaurant would reopen, but whether it does will depend on the actions of its owner. O’Boyle and Teal declined further comment and referred West Life to Rocky River Court documents.

The matter will next come before the court at 9 a.m. June 23.

Viva Barcelona opened in 2001.

Previous West Life articles:

• New Viva Barcelona team promises quality food, service and fun
  (Aug. 2, 2006)