19/08/2023
August 17, 2023 (Bardstown KY)
Just last year Nelson County Judge Executive Tim Hutchins touted his business success of Handy Food Mart and its 50 year anniversary as a reason to elect him. Handy was started over 50 years ago by Hutchins' father. But some are speculating recent financial and legal issues paints a different picture.
In late 2020 Hutchins had borrowed over $500,000 from 4 commercial lenders in New York with some loans having interest rates as high as 18 percent. Hutchins nearly immediately stopped making payments on the loans. 4 of the lenders filed suit against Tim Hutchins personally. According to court records in one instance Hutchins purportedly closed a checking account so the agreed upon automatic debits couldn't go through.
Hutchins then extended himself further financially and purchased Rooster Run, which is down the street from his Handy Food Mart in February 2022. Hutchins has now sold Rooster Run and a controlling interest of Handy Food Mart to Kasyap Patel. Mr. Patel formed a corporation in May to control the interest in Handy called "Bardstown Sai“ (a Hindu word). Records filed with the KY Secretary of State indicate Bardstown Sai has assumed the name Handy Food Mart and has begun using it in commerce. Mr. Patel an Indian-American immigrant living in the Lexington area has been purchasing numerous gas stations and convenience stores in Kentucky.
Allegedly there have been a few customers upset at the new controlling management because Handy allegedly is no longer honoring fuel points. When contacted today by phone an employee of Handy stated "some things are changing with the new circumstances".
It is unclear if Hutchins will still be involved with Handy with a minority interest, he was criticized for hiring a Deputy Judge Executive for the first time in Nelson County history because Hutchins "needed the help". The deputy judge now costs Nelson County taxpayers around $80,000 a year with benefits.
It is unclear if Hutchins will use the money from the sale to pay off his creditors or settle the lawsuits on the high interest loans. Hutchins was asked to make a comment on this story but no response as of publication.
