Payton family ends Aurora Roundhouse partnership
Walter Payton was known as "Sweetness," but a business deal that brought the beloved Bears' running back great pride sure soured after his tragic death 10 years ago.
His estate recently dissolved its partnership with the owner of Walter Payton's Roundhouse in Aurora and removed two truckloads of memorabilia after a long-running contract dispute.
The popular restaurant opened in Aurora in March 1996.
Under a 15-year royalty agreement, due to expire in March, Payton was to receive each year an undisclosed percentage of the gross sales or a specific dollar amount, whichever was greater. In exchange, he agreed to make a specific number of restaurant appearances and allowed the use of his name.
Payton died Nov. 1, 1999, at age 45 after battling a rare liver disease.
His family hasn't received a payment since, said estate attorney Kelly Kramer. She said several meetings to work out a financial resolution, including a discounted fee, were unsuccessful.
"Obviously, due to his untimely and tragic death, he's unable to (make public appearances), but we still believe given the value of his name, the family is entitled to the fee or some sort of payment," Kramer said.
Restaurant owner Scott Ascher was not immediately available for comment Monday. His attorney, Christopher Goluba, declined to comment.
In a statement, Connie Payton-Strotter said she and their children, Jarrett and Brittney, are hopeful an amicable solution still may be reached.
In the meantime, Kramer sent a 10-day legal notice Dec. 4 to Ascher to have Walter Payton's name removed from the establishment. Two days earlier, family members personally removed Payton memorabilia from the restaurant museum where the displayed items were on loan.
The items include the jacket Payton wore to his 1993 Hall of Fame ceremony; his Jackson State University diploma, graduation photos and football cleats; a bust; and a collection of prestigious awards, helmets, footballs and racing memorabilia.
"Walter truly believed and trusted the value of this partnership and treasured the Roundhouse development," said Payton-Strotter, his widow. "(We) would like to thank all the patrons who have supported the Roundhouse in memory of Walter and to the city of Aurora for allowing Walter to 'Bear' his name in a great city.
"It has been 10 years, and I feel that we have been more than patient in the amount of time extended to the partnership and operators in their efforts to make the Roundhouse profitable."
Kramer declined to disclose how much money is in dispute, but she did say the Payton family is considering filing legal action in Kane County to recoup a "substantial" debt members argue the estate is owed under the contract.