LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Las Vegas nightclub owned by “Desperate Housewives” actress Eva Longoria has filed for bankruptcy, saying it owes nearly $5.7 million.
Lawyers for Beso LLC said in a federal Chapter 11 filing on Thursday that they project losing more than $76,000 per month at the CityCenter restaurant and nightspot. It is seeking bankruptcy in order to keep operating.
Beso owes nearly $1.8 million to CityCenter for its lease at the Crystals mall inside the resort complex that opened in December 2009, lawyers said in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing in Las Vegas.
CityCenter is owned jointly by casino operator MGM Resorts International and Dubai World, the investment arm of the Persian Gulf state.
Longoria owns nearly one-third of Beso but is also listed as an unsecured creditor. Lawyers said she gave a cash loan of just over $1 million and paid $375,000 in legal fees for the venture.
Longoria’s publicists in Los Angeles said that the filing was the last step in dealing with a dispute with two former partners.
Longoria said in the statement e-mailed to The Associated Press that the new year and reorganization presented a good opportunity to begin anew.
“I look forward to a more proactive, hands-on approach in the coming years with my Las Vegas businesses,” she said.
The statement said Longoria plans to travel to Las Vegas next week to take charge of Beso’s plans for moving forward.
The lawyer who filed the bankruptcy did not immediately return a message seeking comment from the AP.
Gordon Absher, a spokesman for MGM Resorts International, said he did not expect Beso to close because of the filing.
“It is our understanding that Beso will conduct business as usual during these proceedings and that they will not present any interruptions to customers,” Absher said.
Longoria’s publicists said the actress anticipated expanding her relationship with MGM Resorts.
A meeting for creditors in Las Vegas was scheduled for Feb. 10.
In the bankruptcy filing, lawyers for Beso said the business has $2.5 million in assets, mostly computers, furniture, restaurant supplies and audio and video equipment. The filing estimated the business earns $1.24 million per month with $1.32 million in costs.
Beso had gross income of nearly $14.6 million last year, the filing said.
Beso said three it is involved in three civil lawsuits, which are still pending.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.