The CEO of BK Lobster, a popular seafood franchise in Brooklyn, New York, Rodney Bonds, is facing accusations of scamming investors out of over $300,000.
Moreover, there are allegations that he specifically targeted Black female entrepreneurs as part of his purported scheme. However, Bonds is refuting these accusations and asserting that he has not scammed anyone. He claims that his actions were due to his lack of awareness of certain franchise laws in the state of New York.
Investigating the ordeal on ‘TSR Investigates’ is Justin Carter from The Shade Room.
More Details On The Allegations Against Rodney Bonds Of BK Lobster
This Article Includes
Carter reports that BK Lobster franchise emerged during the pandemic with assistance from investors across the nation. Unfortunately, Bonds has been accused of deceiving several individuals into fake agreements and contracts in recent times.
After conducting an investigation, The Shade Room has verified that several franchise locations have been closed down.
“I did an initial investment of $46,000,” Dara Bradley told Carter, explaining that she invested her money into a location in Queens in May 2021. “He claimed that he brought flat screens [and] he bought some chairs — that’s all he did.”
Bonds claimed that he had been paying $9,000 as rent for the location for a span of eight months. However, Bradley revealed that this was false and further accused Bonds of embezzling approximately $200,000.
Here’s What The CEO Says In Response
In 2022, the New York Attorney General’s office disclosed that BK Lobster had never been registered to sell franchises within or from the state of New York.
According to reports, when Bradley asked Bonds to return her money, he responded by stating that he was unable to do so because of “tax complications.”
“I’m like, ‘What kind of tax complications are you talking about? You never gave me anything…” Bradley told Carter. “That’s when I went off on him.”
According to reports, Bonds has been sued by Bradley for allegedly stealing her money intentionally.
Above, you can find more investors sharing their experiences with Carter. Carter thoroughly examines contracts signed by both Bonds and multiple parties involved. Furthermore, he discloses Bond’s reported response to the accusations.
The Shade Room has recently published an article titled “BK Lobster CEO Accused Of Stealing From Black Entrepreneurs With Fake Franchises | TSR Investigates”. The article discusses the accusations made against the CEO of BK Lobster for allegedly stealing from black entrepreneurs through the use of fake franchises.
