Jordan's Steakhouse RIP (?)

What a long, strange couple of weeks it must have been for Jordan Naftal.  First he and Carlos Venegas (of Ranazul) announce they are taking over the space of oZ Chophouse in Maple Lawn. Then a dispute with his landlord leaves Naftal locked out of his namesake restaurant, Jordan's Steakhouse in Ellicott City.  And soon followed criminal charges filed against Naftal due to nonpayment of wages to a former worker, along with reports of unpaid taxes.  The latest news is that Jordan is pulling out of the Maple Lawn venture with Venegas, and it seems that Jordan's Steakhouse is closed permanently.  

It's a series of sad developments, not only for Jordan, but also for what appears to many former employees who have not been paid for weeks or months.  Jordan has been a fixture in the Howard County restaurant scene, including active roles with the Restaurant Association and the board of Howard County Tourism.  It remains to be seen if and how he will rebound.  

You can find some virulent comments about Jordan and his restaurant on some other sites, but I can't believe he was trying to con or deceive anyone.  The reputation, identity, and presumably financial well being of Jordan and his family were wrapped up in Jordan's Steakhouse.  I hope he finds a way to "figure out how to take care of everyone and to figure out our plan."  It can't be easy.  And the Howard County community is a poorer place for his absence.