Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kelli Ferrell was accused of owing a six-figure sum in unpaid rent for her restaurant, months after making her debut on the show, In Touch can exclusively report.
According to court documents obtained by In Touch, the landlord, The Prado, filed a lawsuit against Kelli, 39, on March 26.
In the complaint, the company claims Kelli leased a commercial spot from it for her Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
The landlord said the five-year lease, executed on January 16, 2024, expires on August 31, 2029.
In the suit, the landlord claims Kelli and Nana’s have breached the terms of the lease “by, amongst other things, failing to obtain required permits, failing to commence tenant improvements, failing to open the premises for business with the public, in addition to failing to pay” rent when due.
The landlord said it notified Kelli of the defaults in August 2024, October 2024, December 2024, February and “finally again” in March.
The suit read, “Despite receipt of the Notices of Default, neither Nana’s nor Defendant has cured the Monetary Default or the Non-Monetary Defaults.”
The landlord said Kelli has failed to comply with her obligations under the lease. “As of March 25, 2025, Nana’s remains in possession of the premises and the lease has not been terminated in any writing,” the suit read.
Kelli was accused of owing $101,140.64 in unpaid rent, interest and late charges. The landlord also wants Kelli to cough up $13,453 for future rent owed until the expiration of the lease.
Additionally, the landlord demanded attorney fees if the debt was not paid in full within ten days of the suit.
A rep for Kelli tells In Touch about the lawsuit, “This is in regard to her second location, which is underway. Although Kelli’s divorce has been finalized, there is still a lot of gray area left, especially with finances.”
The rep accused Kelli’s ex-husband of failing to pay money awarded to her in the divorce and child support.
“These instances, along with the fact that she had to pay close to $160K in legal bills for the divorce, left Kelli in a small financial stomp with opening the new location,” the rep said.
“However, this situation is currently being sorted out with the landlords of the new location and Nana’s in Sandy Springs will be open by this Summer,” the rep added.
They ended, “Kelli has been a successful entrepreneur for over eight years, but this divorce is extremely contentious and has caused issues.”
As In Touch first reported, Kelli settled her bitter divorce from her ex-husband, Chuvalo Ferrell, in September 2024. Kelli filed for divorce in 2022. She listed the date of marriage as August 20, 2011 and the date of separation as January 2022.
She demanded sole custody of the kids. The exes share three children: Chance, born 2012, and twins, Chasiti and Chelsi, born 2015. Kelli has an older daughter named Chloe from a previous relationship.
In response, Chuvalo demanded joint legal and physical custody.
In the divorce judgment, Kelli was awarded primary custody of the kids, while the exes share joint legal custody. Chuvalo was ordered to pay $3,991 per month in child support. In addition, the duo split the proceeds from their home sale.
Per the order, Kelli was also awarded furniture worth $45,000, a 2021 Navy Blue Cadillac Escalade, Rolex Oyster wristwatch, diamond necklace and her wedding ring set.
The settlement was reached weeks after Kelli’s ex was thrown in jail for a brief period of time. Kelli demanded he be locked up over money owed.
At the time, the judge ordered Kelli’s ex to be incarcerated until he paid $14,889.
Kelli’s ex was released on August 14, 2024, after posting bond.
Chuvalo’s rep previously told In Touch, “Mr. Ferrell appreciates the interest in his ongoing personal matters, but he is committed to focusing on his family and professional responsibilities during this challenging time. It is important to note that the details surrounding his divorce from Kelli Potter-Ferrell are complex and sensitive. Mr. Ferrell has consistently sought to resolve these issues amicably and in the best interests of all parties involved, particularly their children.”
