This Former Rockets Star’s Restaurant Reportedly Owes a Shocking $2.2 Million
James Harden spent nearly a decade lighting up the court for the Houston Rockets. Fans remember the 2018 MVP trophy and the way he carried the franchise through deep playoff runs. Unfortunately, Thirteen, his fine-dining restaurant located at 1911 Bagby Street, has been locked out by its landlord. A notice taped to the door claims the business owes more than $2.2 million in unpaid rent and other fees. The locks were changed, and the sign makes it clear the restaurant won’t be getting back in unless the bill gets settled.
The closure caught plenty of people by surprise. The restaurant was still taking reservations on OpenTable even after the lockout. When customers called, they were greeted with a message saying the phone line was having “temporary technical issues.” For a spot that recently tried to revamp its menu and style, this sudden shutdown left fans and diners scratching their heads.
Lawsuit Behind the Lock
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Koorie irving
Midtown Scouts Square Property, the landlord for Thirteen, filed a lawsuit in Harris County District Court against Harden, Thirteens Hospitality Group, and 13 Strikes LLC. The landlord is seeking $1 million or more, alleging not only missed payments but also violations of Houston city codes.
According to the lawsuit, the restaurant failed to keep up with specific property improvements and fire code requirements, and after repeated warnings, the lease was terminated.
Adding to the weight of the case, Harden himself signed a personal guaranty on the lease back in July 2020. The original deal was for five years but was later extended through October 10, 2025. That means the former Rockets star is personally on the hook for the money. This is someone who has earned hundreds of millions in NBA contracts.
Details from the Lawsuit
Thirteen opened in early 2021, right as Harden forced his way out of the Houston Rockets in a highly publicized split. While fans were adjusting to the idea of him in a Brooklyn Nets uniform, locals were curious about the star’s new restaurant. The original menu, led by chef Tobias Dorzon, mostly had Southern flavors.
The kitchen tried switching things up with chef Siddartha Cadena by adding American and Japanese touches like smoked hamachi tacos. However, that comeback was short-lived. Legal trouble piled up again, and this latest lawsuit isn’t the only case tied to Thirteen. In December 2024, the family of a woman killed in a downtown crash sued the restaurant, accusing it of over-serving alcohol to the driver responsible. That case is still ongoing.
Harden’s Future in Houston
For Harden, this restaurant was supposed to keep a piece of Houston tied to his name even after his exit from the Rockets. Instead, it now serves as a reminder of how complicated business ventures can become. The 34-year-old guard is still focused on his NBA career and recently signed a two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’ll be back in Houston later in the season for games, though it’s unclear if Thirteen will even be around by then.
For now, Harden’s camp has stayed quiet, and no official statement has been made about the restaurant’s closure.