Agri Exotic Trading, Inc., a New Jersey-based company, has filed a lawsuit against several restaurant entities for allegedly failing to pay over $125,000 for delivered produce. The complaint was filed on November 12, 2025, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against RF Broadway LLC, RF Hudson LLC, China Grill Management, Inc., and unnamed defendants.
The case revolves around allegations that the defendants violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by not preserving and turning over trust assets owed to Agri Exotic Trading. According to the complaint, Agri Exotic Trading supplied perishable agricultural commodities to Red Farm Broadway and Red Farm Hudson between April and July 2025. These transactions were governed by credit agreements stipulating payment terms and conditions. Despite accepting delivery of the produce under these agreements, the defendants allegedly failed to remit payments totaling $125,833.08.
Agri Exotic Trading claims that it became a beneficiary of a statutory trust under PACA when Red Farm Broadway and Red Farm Hudson accepted the produce. This trust is designed to ensure suppliers receive payment for their goods. The plaintiff included specific statutory language in its invoices to preserve its interest in this trust. However, despite repeated demands for payment, the defendants have allegedly refused to fulfill their financial obligations.
The lawsuit further accuses China Grill Management of controlling the PACA trust assets belonging to Agri Exotic Trading and causing both Red Farm Broadway and Red Farm Hudson to violate their statutory duties. Additionally, unnamed companies and individuals affiliated with these entities are accused of unlawfully dissipating trust assets.
Agri Exotic Trading seeks a judgment declaring that the defendants violated PACA regulations by failing to preserve and turn over trust funds. The plaintiff is also seeking damages amounting to $125,833.08 plus interest at an annual rate of 18%, attorneys’ fees, costs incurred in enforcing obligations under PACA, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
The legal team representing Agri Exotic Trading is Arseneault & Fassett LLC with attorney David W. Fassett leading the charge. The case is being presided over by Judge Mark E. Falk with Case ID 2:25-cv-17391-MEF-JRA.
Source: 225cv17391_Agri_Exotic_Trading_Inc_v_RF_Boardway_LLC_Complaint_District_New_Jersey.pdf
