Mudhouse owner explains brief, sudden closure

While Mudhouse has had tax liens filed against it dating back to 2003, co-owner Rob Weislocher was quick to point out that the sudden but brief closure was an isolated incident.

Weislocher said a sewer line burst in the basement and needed repair.

Mudhouse was established in 1998 and has a history of tax liens, which are governmental claims to property until a tax debt is paid.

As recently as Jan. 22, Mudhouse had a state tax lien of $5,181 imposed against it. Also posted on Jan. 22, was a state tax lien release of $5,697. All told, the business has accrued at least $219,000 in federal and state tax liens since 2004.

“There for awhile, we just had a lot going on, and we were kind of unorganized,” Weislocher said. “But those times are behind us, and things are taken care of. So, full-steam ahead, now.”

Mudhouse co-owner Brian King declined to speak about the tax liens, but public records indicate that at least $38,783 has been repaid as of Feb. 21.

To help stop the tax liens, Weislocher said he and King sold another business, Gailey’s Breakfast Café, in late December to developer Craig Wagoner, who already owned the Gailey’s building at 220 E. Walnut St.

Wagoner declined to disclose the purchase price.

In addition to the South Avenue flagship store, Weislocher, King and Rick Andrews own two Mudhouse locations – one that opened Jan. 8 in The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. – and Mudlounge, 321 E. Walnut St.