“Real Housewives of Atlanta” Newbie Kelli Ferrell Sued for Failing to Pay Restaurant Rent

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” newcomer Kelli Ferrell is raising eyebrows after a new lawsuit accuses her of failing to pay the rent at her business.

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Ferrell’s landlord, The Prado, filed suit on March 26th, accusing her of owing $101,140.64 in unpaid rent, interest, and late charges for her Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles location in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The five-year lease, signed in January 2024, was set to run through August 2029.

The suit claims Kelli breached the lease by “failing to obtain required permits, failing to commence tenant improvements, failing to open the premises for business with the public, in addition to failing to pay” rent. Despite being notified of these defaults multiple times between August 2024 and March 2025, the landlord alleges she failed to “cure the Monetary Default or the Non-Monetary Defaults.”

The landlord also demands $13,453 in future rent and attorney fees if unpaid within 10 days.

Ferrell’s rep responded, claiming that her split from Chuvalo Ferrell is to blame.

“This is in regard to her second location, which is underway,” adding that financial delays stem from a “contentious” divorce and “close to $160K in legal bills.” They noted, “Kelli has been a successful entrepreneur for over eight years,” and said the Sandy Springs spot “will be open by this Summer.”

Ferrell finalized her divorce from Chuvalo in September 2024, gaining primary custody of their three kids. Her ex briefly served jail time after failing to pay $14,889. The rep also claimed he hasn’t paid what he owes her in child support and divorce settlements.

The new Housewife made headlines for gifting her 17-year-old daughter 17 luxury handbags during the filming of the series. Ferrell also prides herself on being a reputable entrepreneur. Therefore, the unpaid rent seems to be something she is working diligently to bring up to date.