Peter Thomas, the restaurateur best known from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” has officially turned himself in to begin serving an 18-month federal prison sentence. The 64-year-old was convicted for failing to pay over $2.5 million in payroll taxes from his businesses, including his Bar One locations in Miami and Baltimore.
In a candid Instagram post before surrendering, Thomas didn’t shy away from the truth. “All my people told me not to post this…I’m not crazy, just real,” he wrote. His message was one of reflection, urging up-and-coming entrepreneurs to stay on top of their tax responsibilities. “Please pay that withholding tax,” he warned, pointing out how difficult it can be for Black business owners to access bank funding, often leaving them to finance everything themselves.
Thomas called this next phase of his life his “road to redemption,” emphasizing the importance of accountability, especially as a father to three sons and a grandfather to four boys. “This life ain’t easy, but we’re resilient. Your granddaddy is a king,” he added.
Court records show that between 2017 and 2023, Thomas failed to pay taxes withheld from his employees’ wages. Instead of turning that money over to the IRS, he used it for personal expenses, including luxury travel and high-end shopping. He was also ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution and will serve two years of supervised release after his prison term.
While many public figures go silent during legal battles, Thomas chose to speak out, not to excuse his actions, but to accept them. His post ended with a powerful reminder: “I didn’t just find God in my time of trouble, I was raised this way.”
