Wilma's Food Group Inc., a well-known Illinois-based restaurant operator, has taken legal action against the Village of Dolton and its Mayor, Tiffany A. Henyard, alleging a pattern of political retaliation and misuse of power. The complaint was filed on April 23, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Wilma’s Food Group Inc., which operates Wilma’s Famous BBQ and Wilma’s Jamaican Jerk LLC.
The lawsuit claims that Mayor Henyard has been using her position to retaliate against political rivals and businesses that do not support her campaign or donate to her charity. According to the plaintiffs, this alleged misconduct includes refusing to renew liquor licenses and business permits without due process. Wilma's Food Group asserts that their applications for license renewals have been unjustly delayed or ignored since April 26, 2023, despite compliance with all necessary requirements. They argue that this is part of a broader scheme by Henyard to favor associates such as Kamal Woods, who allegedly stands to benefit from acquiring one of the limited Class D Liquor Licenses.
The plaintiffs detail how Henyard purportedly orchestrated a system where police chief Lewis Lacey would target businesses opposed to her administration. These actions were reportedly carried out through citations issued without substantial evidence and prosecuted by the Village Attorney in hearings overseen by a Hearing Officer with conflicts of interest. Wilma's alleges that these proceedings were biased and designed to ensure rulings in favor of the Village regardless of evidence presented.
In response to these grievances, Wilma's is seeking several forms of relief from the court. They request an injunction compelling compliance with an Illinois Liquor Control Commission order mandating the renewal of their liquor license. Additionally, they seek compensatory damages for lost profits due to inability to sell alcohol legally during this period, as well as attorney fees and other costs associated with defending their rights under U.S.C §1983 for violations related to due process and equal protection.
Representing Wilma’s are attorneys Daniel T. Fahner and Alex Kosyla from Fahner Rosenberg PLLC d/b/a RKF Global PLLC. The case is being presided over by Judge (name not provided) under Case ID: 1:25-cv-04432.