The Trump Organization has sent a cease and desist letter to restaurants operating under the “Trump Burger” name in Flatonia and Kemah, Texas, citing unauthorized use of the Trump brand. Meanwhile, one of the restaurant’s co-owners, Roland Beainy, is facing immigration issues and multiple legal battles.
Ownership Dispute and Immigration Trouble
Beainy, originally from Lebanon and living in the U.S. since 2019, claims he owns 50% of Trump Burger LLC and filed a lawsuit in Fayette County against Iyad Abuelhawa (aka Eddie Hawa), who founded the first Trump Burger in Bellville. Beainy alleges he paid Hawa $65,000 for the stake. Hawa denies the agreement and is suing for $1 million, claiming there was no written contract.
Kemah Location Conflict
Beainy also filed a separate lawsuit in Harris County against 409 Bradford LLC and others, accusing property owner Archie Patterson of unlawfully evicting him from the Trump Burger Kemah location. Beainy says Patterson removed him over a disputed liquor license and a lease addendum involving a $125,000 payment. Patterson’s company terminated the lease, citing fire code violations and noncompliance.
Court documents revealed that Beainy was detained by ICE and allegedly had his green card revoked. An investigation by immigration authorities also challenged the legitimacy of his marriage, which supported his residency. He has an immigration hearing scheduled for November 18 in Houston.
Trump Organization Responds
The Trump Organization sent a cease and desist letter in February, demanding that the restaurants stop using the Trump name, arguing it could mislead customers into thinking the businesses are affiliated with the Trump brand. The letter also demanded a full financial accounting of revenue generated using the Trump name and threatened legal action.
The Kemah location has since reopened under new management as MAGA Burger.
More Legal Trouble: Business Dispute with Former Partner
Beainy is also being sued by Beshara Janho, a former business associate from Lebanon. Janho claims he invested $50,000 to co-found BR Concepts with Beainy, which later operated Patti’s Diner and acquired Empire Pizza locations. Janho alleges Beainy pushed him out, seized control of the businesses, and withheld documents needed to renew Janho’s visa, which has now expired. Janho is seeking between $200,000 and $1 million in damages.
Separate Lease Dispute in Fayette County
In an unrelated case, Mullins Prairie LLC, another company owned by Archie Patterson, sued former tenants Amy Salmeron and Joshua Perrella, accusing them of breaching their lease at the Mullins Prairie Store. The landlord is seeking over $50,000 in unpaid rent and legal fees. In response, the former tenants filed a counterclaim for $490,000, citing capital investments, losses, and alleged misrepresentation.
Source: FAYETTE COUNTY RECORD
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