Northworks eatery closes after 35 years; Landlord: Owes $224K in unpaid bills.

Byline: Aaron Nicodemus

WORCESTER -- Northworks Bar & Grille, which closed after 35 years in business earlier this month, owes more than $224,000 in unpaid rent and operating expenses, dating back to 2009.

The restaurant's landlord, Northworks Properties Inc., filed an eviction notice against the Grove St. restaurant on Jan. 7, and filed a civil lawsuit in Central District Court.

In those court documents, restaurant owner Joseph M. Marrone's company, Marrone Enterprises Inc., is alleged to owe $224,292.01 in unpaid rent and operating expenses that date back to 2009.

Mr. Marrone, in the court documents, denies owing the money and asks the judge to have the landlord prove that is what his company owes.

"For many months, the landlord has been trying to work with (Mr. Marrone),'' said Worcester attorney Ellen L. O'Connor, who is representing Northworks Properties in the dispute. "He signed a new lease five years ago, but he still owes the landlord a lot of money. He is using the parking problem as an excuse.''

She added, "The parking problems are not my client's responsibility. ... That would not be a reason for us to pursue an eviction.''

According to the civil lawsuit filed in Central District Court, the restaurant did not pay its monthly $2,899 rent for most of 2014, and parts of 2013 and 2012. There were operating expenses, such as the restaurant's share of the building's water and sewer bill, that were also not paid.

The case is next scheduled to be heard on Feb. 19.