ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Revenue has raided Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles restaurants in the Atlanta area, WSB-TV reported.
Gladys Knight's son, Shanga Hankerson, who runs the operation, is at the center of an investigation involving $1 million in stolen money, authorities said.
Knight is not involved in the investigation.
Shanga Hankerson, son of #gladysknight, owner of chicken&waffle chain, focus of #gadeptofrevenue allegations @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/M1kLTtR6Q6
— Mark Winne (@MarkWinneWSB) June 21, 2016
It was reported in February that one of the Atlanta locations of the resturant failed a Feb. 8 health inspection, getting a failing grade of 56.
Knight told WSB-TV in February that customers had nothing to worry about.
"Our biggest thing was a freezer door that was off, but we weren't using the freezer," Knight said "The freezer was dead. They cited us because no door; I get that."
Hankerson told WSB that every violation that led to the failing grade had been fixed.
When a Fulton County health inspector returned to re-inspect the restaurant, it recieved an A grade of 90.
WSB spoke Tuesday to James Boyd, whi said he was a consultant to the chain "trying to help stabilize the business."
"I was made aware of the tax situation," Boyd said. "It’s our intent to get the business back open. The business will go on. I want the public to know both sides."
The restaurants are currently closed.
Xpect gladysknightchicken&waffles to open soon as thurs, after @GADeptofRevenue raids; may have state recvr @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/MMz2k8hMX4
— Mark Winne (@MarkWinneWSB) June 21, 2016
Cox Media Group