Will Rotten Ralph's Pay Up or Leave the Pier?

Rotten Ralph's may be forced to leave the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach this month, if the owner cannot come up with a plan for paying back rent that the city will accept, according to the Islander.

The city agreed in early April to delay the restaurant's eviction for 30 days – until May 18. (See Rotten Ralph's May Be Evicted.)

According to the Islander, the last time that Rotten Ralph's made a monthly $9,000 lease payment to the city was a year ago – in May 2012.

Commissioners are scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at Bradenton Beach City Hall to make a final decision on eviction.

Restaurant owner Dave Russell has said that he fell behind in rent after Tropical Storm Debby damaged the day dock that boaters use to tie up and venture over to the restaurant. Russell said the city refused to take partial payment.

According to the Islander:

Almost a year later, there is a dispute in the amount of money owed to the city. It initially started at $54,000, jumped to $256,000 when late fees and penalties were added and, at a May 2 city commission meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry said the recalculated amount owed is $115,000.

Although the city voted April 4 to end its lease with Rotten Ralph's, the restaurant won a reprieve on April 18 and was given 30 days to work out a deal both sides could accept.

Three options have been offered by Russell, according to the city:

• Rotten Ralph's would pay the city $15,000 and move out immediately.
• The restaurant would pay the city $5,000 plus restaurant equipment, and move out.
• Pay $65,000 and renegotiate the lease, extending it for 15 years.

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