Texas Hotel Billionaire Set To Foreclose On Greenbrier Owner Senator Jim Justice

Texas hotel billionaire Robert Rowling and his son Blake are set to foreclose on the Greenbrier Resort, owned by Senator Jim Justice. The Rowlings' TRT Holdings paid Greenbrier's lender, Carter Bank, $289 million for the first lien debt on the resort. After an unsuccessful meeting to negotiate a smooth transition, the Rowlings stated they went in good faith but found the meeting threatening and not in the spirit of partnership. The parties disagree on the Greenbrier's value. Senator Justice believes it's worth more than the $360 million he and his family owe, while the Rowlings believe Justice's equity has evaporated due to chronic missed payments. Carter Bank had previously entered 14 forbearance agreements with Justice. The Rowlings claim Justice breached the forbearance agreement and have taken action. On April 9th, the Rowlings sued Jim Justice, his wife, son, and associated businesses in federal court, asking for a receiver to prevent the Justices from diverting Greenbrier revenue to other businesses. The Justices responded with their own complaint on April 12th in local court, accusing the Rowlings of conspiring with Carter Bank to unlawfully seize the resort. The Rowlings, who own Omni Hotels, have expressed interest in the Greenbrier and its golf courses. Justice alleges the Rowlings plotted against him in 2024 by accessing confidential financial information as advisors to a private equity group, accusing them of misappropriating trade secrets. Justice also claims Carter Bank reneged on a 2025 deal that would have allowed him to pay off the debt for $300 million, and that he had investors ready, but the process would have taken too long for Carter Bank. The Justices are urging the court to help them resist the Rowlings' attempt to "pilfer" the Greenbrier, reverse Carter Bank's sale, and provide a final opportunity to pay off the $360 million debt or make a deal. Their complaint references a tentative agreement where TRT would forgive $200 million and release liens on Justice's coal mines in exchange for a 50% stake and general partner control in the resort. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for May 11th.