JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE DENYING BBQ BUSINESS

Pop singer Justin Timberlake is confused by media reports that he’s a successful restaurateur who’s about to open his second New York City hotspot. Justin is insisting he doesn’t own any eateries. The star was reported to have opened the Big Apple’s Southern Hospitality restaurant in a joint venture with his pals Trace Ayala and Eytan Sugarman in 2007. Recent reports claimed the trio was so happy with the barbecue spot, they’re about to expand with a second venue also in New York City. But Timberlake now is denying the reports and is insisting that while the trio discussed plans for a home-cooked-style restaurant, the idea never materialized and Southern Hospitality is all Sugarman’s work. His representative tells People.com, Approximately three years ago, Justin and his close friends, Eytan Sugarman and Trace Ayala, discussed the idea of bringing Memphis-style BBQ and ribs to the New York City marketplace. "The three friends spent a year creating the Southern Hospitality concept and were actively involved in all elements of design, menu, offerings, and musical format. "While Justin and Trace continue their friendship with Eytan, and continue to provide fresh ideas and promotion for Southern Hospitality, they are not investors, owners or partners, nor do they have any knowledge of or involvement in the operations of the restaurant. "Southern Hospitality has been open for over a year now, and is Justin and Trace’s favorite place in New York for truly authentic Memphis-style BBQ and ribs."
Editors Note: This sounds very fishy. Why wasn't this item denied last year when every magazine wrote that Justin was co-owner?