ILOSM fam, there’s all kinds of drama surrounding Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles. Apparently, all three of the Atlanta restaurants have been shut down by the GA Department of Revenue pending a $1 million investigation. However, Gladys Knight actually has nothing to do with the investigation because the restaurant isn’t really Gladys’ at all.
The “Midnight Train To Georgia” singer has released a statement dissociating herself from the famous restaurant that bares her name. She wants the world to know that she is not the owner and she only loaned her name to her son for marketing purposes. So, Gladys Knight’s son, Shanga Hankerson, is actually the one in the hot seat.
According to CNN, Shanga has been accused of tax evasion. The Riverdale, GA corporate office and all three restaurants have been raided. Shanga has been accused of stealing more than $650,000 in sales tax and withholding taxes owed to the state of Georgia. Now, they’re coming to collect.
Shanga Hankerson, son of #gladysknight, owner of chicken&waffle chain, focus of #gadeptofrevenue allegations @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/M1kLTtR6Q6
— Mark Winne (@MarkWinneWSB) June 21, 2016
Computers, files, safes, and other electronic devices were confiscated from the office and restaurant locations. Hankersons bank accounts and three luxury vehicles were also seized.
“After penalties and interest the total exceeds $1 million,” the department said. “The department further alleges that Hankerson used these funds for personal use.” The government agency also revealed “unsuccessfully attempted to serve arrest warrants on Shanga Hankerson … at his home” on Tuesday because he was reportedly in Fort Lauderdale at the time.
Hankerson’s tax attorney, Josie Walton-Harris, has released a statement about the incident and they plan to have the restaurants open again as soon as possible. “We are working with Mr. Hankerson’s attorney to have the business up and running again as soon as possible. As soon as a receivership agreement is reached between the state and Hankerson, the restaurant should reopen for business,” Waites said.