Desmond Reilly, the owner of several restaurants at The Mall in Columbia, has found himself in legal trouble following the closure of his three establishments last year. Reilly shut down Chicken + Whiskey, Bennie’s Pizza, and The Walrus Oyster & Ale House, citing an increase in crime as a significant factor in his decision.
In May 2025, he publicly criticized the mall, stating, "The Mall in Columbia has become a different world," and pointed to escalating violence and disturbances among young patrons as reasons for declining customer traffic. His comments ignited a debate on social media, with some locals supporting his views while others defended the mall's management.
However, Reilly's narrative did not mention that shortly before his restaurants closed, Chicken + Whiskey was evicted due to a court ruling that found him liable for approximately $341,000 in unpaid rent. Over a year later, Reilly's companies, Star Restaurant Group LLC and Chicken + Whiskey Columbia LLC, are facing a lawsuit from the mall, which is seeking $5.6 million for breach of contract.
Additionally, the Maryland comptroller's office has placed liens against Chicken + Whiskey for unpaid taxes amounting to nearly $195,000. Reilly has refrained from commenting on these financial issues, labeling them as private matters.
The legal dispute sheds light on broader safety concerns at the mall, which has been a staple in downtown Columbia since 1971. The area has faced heightened scrutiny following two fatal shootings in 2024 and 2025. The incidents prompted local officials to implement a comprehensive safety plan that included increased police presence and the establishment of a dedicated police unit in the mall.
Despite the challenges, crime statistics indicate that overall crime rates at the mall have remained stable. Following the shootings, Reilly expressed disappointment over the mall's response to safety issues, suggesting that more proactive communication from county leaders could have helped restore public confidence.
As the legal proceedings continue, the mall is moving forward with plans to welcome new businesses, including two restaurants set to occupy the spaces left vacant by Reilly's closures.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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