CAMP SPRINGS — Restaurateur and entrepreneur Monique Gross is publicly pushing back against efforts she says could force the closure of one of her businesses, arguing that community gatherings near her restaurant have become the basis of an ongoing lease dispute.
Gross, founder of several well-known food and hospitality brands in Prince George’s County, addressed the issue in a social media video this week, claiming that La Caj, a restaurant and entertainment venue she helped create, is facing pressure from its landlord over crowds gathering in common areas surrounding the business.
According to Gross, the dispute centers on complaints regarding patrons and community members congregating near the restaurant, despite what she described as a lack of criminal activity, property damage or other public safety concerns.
“I got accused of something this week that I honestly never thought I’d hear in my life,” Gross said in the video. “Making a restaurant too popular.”
Gross said she has spent more than a decade building businesses throughout Prince George’s County, including Milk and Honey, The Real Milk and Honey, Milk and Cheese, Catch 22 and La Caj. Through her management company, she said she has also assisted businesses across the Washington metropolitan region with growth and development efforts.
In the video, Gross alleged that the restaurant has received repeated complaints about people gathering in the areas surrounding the business. She argued that many of those individuals are not customers and are not being directed by restaurant staff.
“Those people aren’t being seated by us. They aren’t even our customers,” Gross said. “They’re simply members of the community enjoying a sense of community.”
Gross further claimed that La Caj holds a valid entertainment license, has not received noise citations and has operated responsibly since opening. She also alleged that police responses, attorney correspondence and complaints regarding the venue’s entertainment offerings have increased amid the dispute.
According to Gross, some gatherings cited in complaints occurred on days when the restaurant was closed or when no live entertainment was taking place.
The entrepreneur questioned how businesses can be held responsible for activity occurring in shared areas they do not own or manage.
“We don’t own the parking lot, we don’t manage the parking lot, we don’t direct people into the parking lot,” Gross said. “They just like the vibe.”
Gross argued that community engagement and customer interest should be viewed as assets for local businesses and commercial centers rather than liabilities. She suggested that increased foot traffic could create opportunities for events, vendor markets and community celebrations that benefit surrounding businesses.
Gross shared her concerns publicly because she believes residents should understand the challenges businesses face when responding to complaints about activity beyond their direct control.
“The only thing we’re guilty of is creating something people enjoy,” she said.
The dispute has drawn attention on social media, where supporters have expressed concern about the potential impact on employees, customers and the local business community should the matter escalate further.
It remains unclear whether formal legal proceedings have been initiated or whether efforts are underway to resolve the dispute between the restaurant and property ownership.
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