Last week, Robbie Montgomery, owner of the St. Louis soul food staple Sweetie Pie’s and star of the OWN reality series “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s”, hit son and business partner Tim Norman with a lawsuit for trademark infringement after he opened his own eatery called TJ’s Sweetie Pie’s NOHO.
In the lawsuit filed last week, Montgomery claims “the fact Defendant Norman is identified as a member of Miss Robbie’s family on the Sweetie Pie’s Show, along with his position on the Show, further increases the potential of causing confusion in the market place,” The Grio reported. The restaurateur’s suit went on to claim TJ is damaging her brand because of bad eatery reviews in addition to stealing money from the Montgomery, AL restaurant location.
Over the weekend, Tim spoke with The YBF to give his side of the story.
“In this turn of events, unfortunately, outsiders appear to be misguiding and manipulating my mother to sell our family business,” Norman said. “It’s complicated, to say the least, as we have joint interest in various facets of the Sweetie Pie’s brand. I have to stay true to our brand and our business and I truly hope this disagreement can be settled between my mother and me.”
“I have always, and will always, want what is best for my mother, our family, and our people,” Norman continued. “This is the risk of doing business with loved ones, and I am hopeful for swift resolution.”
