Landlord: Teakwoods stopped paying rent in May, given breaks over the years

A representative from Barclay Group, the landlord of now-closed Teakwoods Tavern & Grill, said the restaurant stopped paying rent in May and had been given several rent reductions since signing its original lease in late 2007.

The restaurant closed yesterday after it was locked out by Barclay. Teakwoods posted on its Facebook page it had been working on a rent agreement to stay open in Maricopa, but was misled by the landlord and suddenly locked out.

Bob Austin, senior vice president of operations for the Phoenix-based Barclay Group, said his company rarely takes the step of locking out a business, but had to with Teakwoods to protect its assets.

He said the eatery first requested a rent reduction in October 2009, which Barclay granted. Then the business asked for another rent reduction in January 2010, which also was given. In March 2010, Teakwoods asked for an extension on the rent relief, which again was granted, Austin said.