Lotis Wellington Lawsuits & Liens: What's Going On and What's Still Opening

Liens, Lawsuits and a Partner Split: What's Really Going On at Lotis Wellington?

If you've driven past Lotis Wellington on State Road 7, you've seen both sides of the story: busy restaurants like Cooper's Hawk and Kura on one end, and empty pads and signed-but-not-open restaurants on the other. Behind the scenes, 2026 brought contractor liens, a split between the project's founding partners and several lawsuits. Here's a plain-English look at what's been reported, what the developers say, and what's actually open and coming.

Lotis at a glance

Where: West side of State Road 7, north of Wellington Regional Medical Center
Open now: Cooper's Hawk, Kura Revolving Sushi, Turning Point, MOOYAH, Foxtail Coffee and more
Coming: Seasons 52 (under construction, expected 2027), Cluck Face Nashville Hot Chicken, a day care, Lennar homes and 372 apartments
The issues: About $5 million in contractor liens filed this year, lawsuits between partners and with a tenant, and PopStroke pulling out
The developers' side: Most liens have been paid or will be soon, and the project is moving forward

What is Lotis Wellington?

Lotis is a 60-plus-acre mixed-use project that won zoning approval in 2020. According to The Real Deal, five buildings with about 35,000 square feet of retail and 16,500 square feet of offices are complete, a day care is nearly finished, and the plans include 372 apartments and more restaurants. Lennar bought part of the site and is building 100 single-family homes and 72 townhomes. The centerpiece is a 35-plus-acre lake and cypress preserve with a walking and biking path and a dog park. For the full restaurant lineup, see our Lotis Wellington restaurant guide.

The liens

A lien is a legal claim a contractor files when it says it hasn't been paid. The Real Deal reported in May 2026 that roughly $5 million in liens were filed against Lotis this year, including a $1.2 million claim from the site's earthwork and roadway contractor, smaller claims from plumbing and flooring subcontractors, and a $2.9 million claim from Lotis's own construction company against the property owner.

The developers' response: Lotis partner James Gielda said most liens and invoices had been paid and that the payments simply weren't reflected in public records yet, with the rest expected to be reimbursed soon.

The partner split

Lotis was built by three partners who had worked together since 2009: James Gielda, Adam Freedman and John Markey. Markey stepped back in 2023 under agreements to sell his stake for $2 million paid over time. In 2026, the relationship turned into dueling lawsuits:

Gielda and Freedman sued Markey in March, alleging he violated his separation agreements and contacted investors and staff as if he still had authority. They called statements in a January email from Markey "false and defamatory."
Markey denied the allegations and countersued, asking for an accounting of loans and interest connected to the project. He later announced he was coming out of retirement to "reassume leadership" and said he and his partners had bought the project's debt.
A developer affiliate also sued an investor in June, claiming the investor's company failed to put in capital it had committed, which the suit says caused delays and higher costs. The investor didn't respond to The Real Deal's request for comment.

All of these are claims in pending lawsuits. None has been decided by a court, and each side disputes the other's version.

Tenants: one lawsuit, one exit, lots of openings

Cooper's Hawk, one of the project's biggest draws, sued Lotis in February seeking more than $1.5 million tied to a construction allowance and a service yard; Lotis denied the claims. The restaurant itself is open and busy.

PopStroke, the Tiger Woods-backed mini golf concept, pulled out in early 2026. A broker told the Village Council that Lotis pitched the 3-acre site to indoor pickleball, movie theaters and kids' concepts with no takers, partly because of lease restrictions. Council members pushed back on dropping entertainment altogether. "The last thing any of us want is to approve another failing strip mall type-area," Council Member Amanda Silvestri said, and the Council asked Lotis to come back with a plan for the space.

Meanwhile, the restaurant side keeps growing. Kura Revolving Sushi opened in April 2026, Seasons 52 is under construction, and Cluck Face Nashville Hot Chicken has its sign up and is hiring. Lazy Dog, Frank Pepe and Naked Taco signed on but haven't opened.

Two ways to look at it

The glass-half-empty view

Liens, lawsuits among the founders and a lawsuit from a marquee tenant are not what you want to see at a project still under construction.
Several big-name restaurants announced years ago still aren't open, and the entertainment anchor walked away.
Some residents also worry about what Lotis and other projects mean for traffic on State Road 7.

The glass-half-full view

Lotis already has some of Wellington's busiest new restaurants, plus offices, a preserve and homes under construction.
The developers say most bills are paid, and financing disputes and liens are common on large projects and are often resolved before buildout.
New tenants keep signing, including Seasons 52 and Cluck Face, which suggests businesses still see Lotis as a good location.

What do you think?

Is Lotis a growing pains story or a warning sign? We'll keep tracking openings and court developments. Have news about Lotis? Send it our way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lotis Wellington in trouble?

Lotis has open restaurants and ongoing construction, but in 2026 contractors filed about $5 million in liens and the founding partners sued each other. The developers say most liens have been paid and the project is moving forward.

Why are there liens on Lotis Wellington?

Contractors, including the site's earthwork contractor and several subcontractors, filed liens saying they were owed money. Lotis partner James Gielda said most were paid but not yet reflected in public records.

Is Cooper's Hawk suing Lotis?

Yes. Cooper's Hawk sued Lotis Wellington in February 2026 seeking more than $1.5 million tied to a construction allowance and a service yard. Lotis denied the claims. The restaurant remains open.

Why did PopStroke leave Lotis Wellington?

The reason wasn't disclosed. PopStroke pulled out of its planned mini golf site in early 2026, and the Village Council asked Lotis to return with a new plan for the space.

What restaurants are coming to Lotis Wellington?

Seasons 52 is under construction and expected in 2027, and Cluck Face Nashville Hot Chicken is preparing to open. Lazy Dog, Frank Pepe and Naked Taco signed on but haven't opened.