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Shots Taken in Big Whiskey’s LawsuitLock Icon

2 min read

The Big Whiskey’s restaurant and bar in Little Rock and owner James Bryant have filed suit — again — over the opening of a Big Whiskey’s in Bentonville.

In their breach of contract suit, Big Whiskey’s of Little Rock LLC and Bryant allege that they had the right of first refusal to open another Big Whiskey’s restaurant in Arkansas, a right they allege was denied them. The suit was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court.

Big Whiskey’s of Little Rock and Bryant filed a similar suit in November 2016, but it was dismissed in March without prejudice, meaning they could sue again.

The most recent suit names Big Whiskey Franchising LLC, Big Whiskey’s LLC, Paul Sundy, Michael Heslin, Randy Gildehaus, Shane Wallace Miller and Whiskey Holdings LLC.

Miller, owner of Whiskey Holdings, opened the Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar at 214 SE Walton Blvd. in Bentonville in March.

A press release issued by the Big Whiskey’s franchise in May touted the Bentonville location for breaking company sales records. “The establishment, which is only 5,300 SF with indoor seating for 250 patrons, has averaged an astounding $74,108 a week in sales … since the grand opening — an accomplishment even more impressive considering the patio was still under construction and no advertising was placed to announce the opening,” the release said.

(Whispers can no longer check restaurant revenue claims against A&P tax records because former state Rep. Micah Neal, owner of a Springdale cafe, got that information exempted from the state Freedom of Information Act before he left the House of Representatives and pleaded guilty to a corruption charge.)

In the release, Miller said he was looking “for my second Big Whiskey’s location as we fully intend to grow with the company.”

Bryant’s lawsuit said the Big Whiskey’s franchise envisioned Miller opening locations in Fayetteville and Rogers as well as Bentonville.

The suit, which requests a jury trial, asks that Big Whiskey’s of Little Rock and Bryant be awarded the Bentonville franchise and compensatory and punitive damages. Lawyers for the plaintiffs are John Keeling Baker and Benjamin D. Brenner of the Mitchell Williams law firm of Little Rock.

Miller told Whispers he couldn’t comment on the lawsuit but that the defendants planned to file a response last Friday, after press time.

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