Chef Marilyn Cole has been a staple in the Crenshaw community for years, known for selling 99-cent soul food platters. Now, she says, two lawyers have cost her everything. And have “scammed” her out of her business.
Now, The Shade Room’s Justin Carter is stepping in to hear from Chef Cole as two California attorneys, Cierra Carter and Channing Smith, explained their side of the story.
What really happened? Scroll below to watch ‘TSR Investigates.‘
LA Chef Marilyn Cole Says She Lost Everything In Business Deal
According to Chef Marilyn Cole, “one disaster after another” left her in over her head financially with her business. Cierra Carter and Channing Smith stepped in to “help.” Cole reportedly told the lawyers she no longer wanted to handle the “administrative” tasks of her business. In turn, the lawyers reportedly presented her with a “deal memo.” The deal was reportedly made to cover her existing debt, bind Cole to licensing her “name, likeness, recipes, and potential trademarks” to the lawyers, and create a 60/40 profit split between them.
In April, things hit the fan when customers began coming in, and Chef Cole was unaware of their prepaid orders.
“They weren’t letting me order. They took over the ordering… ordered the wrong stuff, and it was just frustrating, and then they’re telling people I’m an employee? I was embarrassed. I was humiliated, and I was mad,” Cole recalled to Carter.
By the end of the month, Cole requested a leave of absence to address her health and the stress from the ordeal. In turn, she received an email from Cierra Carter and Channing Smith in which they reportedly scolded her for her prior time away and alleged unrendered services.
More On The Business Deal
Ultimately, Cierra Carter and Channing Smith told Chef Marilyn Cole they would no longer use her name or likeness for the business.
“I was moved out… disrespected, and I didn’t deserve that,” Cole told Carter.
Scroll up to watch the chef share reactions from longtime patrons. Additionally, Carter shares footage of what the chef found after regaining access to her store. Furthermore, Carter shares reactions from those who have taken to social media to speak on the ordeal. Lastly, Carter even shares social media footage of Cierra Carter and Channing Smith sharing their side of the story. This, along with a statement from both of them.
