James Harden and his restaurant appear to be experiencing some financial hardship.
Thirteen, the NBA star’s Midtown Houston eatery, has been locked out by its landlord over more than $2.2 million in unpaid rent. A notice posted on the door confirms the massive balance, warning that the restaurant will remain closed until the debt is resolved.
Despite the lockout, Thirteen’s social media pages are still up and running, and the restaurant is currently accepting reservations online, suggesting a possible return. However, the comments on the posts have been turned off.
Harden launched Thirteen back in 2021, shortly after his high-profile exit from the Houston Rockets. The restaurant originally featured a Southern-inspired menu by celebrity chef Tobias Dorzon. In 2024, Thirteen underwent a complete transformation with a new interior and a globally influenced menu curated by chef Siddartha Cadena, whose resume includes top-tier restaurants in Shanghai and Bangkok.
At the time of the relaunch, management said Harden was exploring expansion opportunities. But now, it’s unclear what the future holds. Despite his business drama, Harden is still cashing in on the court. In July, he inked a two-year, $81.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
