Hot Rods BBQ Sells at Foreclosure Auction

Rod Gaudin “kind of can’t believe this.”

After roughly 17 years serving up country barbecue, Hot Rods BBQ and Grill appears down for the count. The quirky, iconic eatery at 18430 Livingston Ave. was the subject of a court battle that ended Monday in a foreclosure auction.

“We petitioned the governor with over 700 signatures; he didn’t even have the courtesy to reply,” Gaudin said. “The congressman never replied. We went before the judges with pages (of evidence) … and he just ignored it.”

A lien had been placed on the property, which Gaudin owned with wife, Helen, and was later foreclosed upon following a civil lawsuit against the couple concerning unpaid personal loans. The suit was initiated by Helen’s former boss, David Potts. 

"I loaned them money to pay property taxes and their insurance and they didn't pay it back,” Potts told Patch in a March interview.

The Gaudins say they do not have any unpaid loans.  

According to the Hillsborough County Clerk’s Office, the property was sold at auction for $19,000 to Shampor Corp., the plaintiff.

But the fight may continue on. Gaudin said he is considering legal action to get an appellate judge to reverse the sale on the grounds of fraud. If unsuccessful, Hot Rods would not consider opening in another location.

“The most positive memory is the positive affect Hot Rods had on the community,” Gaudin said. “Hot Rods is like an icon to Lutz, and I am proud of that.” 

What will you miss most about Hot Rods? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

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SEE ALSO

• Hot Rods Gets Extension on Slated Foreclosure Sale
• Hot Rods BBQ & Grill Faces Foreclosure
• Hot Rods Owner Trying to Stop Foreclosure Sale