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The owners of a Colorado food truck commissary say they are fighting to keep their doors open after their landlord billed them for thousands of dollars in fees they do not believe they owe.
Both sides have brought in lawyers. The fight centers on operating costs and extra expenses under the lease, and the commissary owners worry the longer it drags on the more it puts their business and the many small food operations that depend on them at risk.
What the Commissary Provides
About 50 small, locally owned businesses and food trucks run out of the Foothills Commissary. A good number of them are female or minority owned. In Colorado, food trucks must work from a licensed commissary kitchen, so this place serves as a shared base where people prep, clean, and cook.
Co owner Randall Baldwin called it a tight knit community. Operators help each other, share ingredients when someone runs short, and generally look out for one another.
The Dispute Over Fees
Baldwin said the landlord told them they are behind about $35,000 in fees. The owners say they have paid their rent on time every month and were caught off guard by the extra charges.
“We’ve been experiencing some landlord issues, of course, some amounts that they’re saying we owe for certain items that are not valid in our opinion,” Baldwin said. “We’re a small business, and that amount is not something we’re sitting on.”
The landlord sent a statement saying the lease requires the tenant to pay base rent plus its share of operating costs and expenses, and that the tenant has disputed some of those costs. The landlord also said it is still working in good faith with the tenant’s lawyers to sort the issues out.
Impact on Small Businesses
While the dispute continues, the commissary owners say they are already running on thin margins. They have started raising money to help cover legal bills and keep the kitchen open until things are resolved. The food truck operators who rely on the space have said they are worried about what happens if the commissary cannot stay open.
When Lease Disputes Threaten a Business
Commercial lease fights over extra charges and operating expenses can put a small business in a tough spot fast. Looking closely at the lease and having a clear plan often makes the difference between fixing the problem and watching the business struggle.
If you are dealing with a landlord dispute, surprise fees, or a commercial property conflict, our team at Partition Action can help you see your options and work toward a practical way forward. Reach out through the contact options on our site. We will be glad to assist you.
