Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 1 of 9
`FILED
`
`U.S. DISTRICT COURT
`·~
`EASTERN DISTRICT ARKANSAS
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
`NORTHERN DIVISION
`
`MAY i 1 2020
`
`PECO FOODS, INC.
`vs.
`
`CIVIL ACTION NO. 3 ~ ~0-C\J-{"-/O- 85/VJ
`
`MAINES PAPER & FOOD SERVICE, INC.
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`Plaintiff Peco Foods, Inc. ("Peco") files this Complaint against Defendant Maines Paper
`
`& Food Service, Inc. ("Maines Paper"), and in support, states the following:
`
`PARTIES
`
`1.
`
`Peco is an Alabama corporation with its principal place of business located in
`
`Alabama. Peco operates facilities in Pocahontas, Arkansas, among other locations in Arkansas.
`
`2.
`
`Maines Paper is a New York corporation with its principal place of business
`
`located at 101 Broome Corporate Parkway, Conklin, New York 13748-0450. Maines Paper may
`
`be served through its registered agent, Corporation Service Company, at 80 State Street, Albany,
`
`New York 12207-2543.
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`
`3.
`
`Jurisdiction is proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 because Peco is a
`
`citizen of Alabama and Maines Paper is a citizen of New York, and the amount in controversy
`
`exceeds $75,000.
`
`4.
`
`Venue is proper in this division pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(2) because a
`
`substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to Peco's claims occurred in this division.
`
`Alternatively, venue is proper in this division pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(3).
`
`03578238
`
`This case assigned to District Judge Mi \ l~
`tlWCj S
`
`and to Magistrate Judge
`1
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 2 of 9
`
`FACTS
`
`5.
`
`Peco is a poultry products provider for the industrial, retail, and food service
`
`markets across the United States.
`
`6.
`
`Maines Paper is a food distributor that sells to fast food restaurants such as
`
`Wendy's.
`
`7.
`
`On April 3, 2020, Peco sold to Maines Paper poultry products on an open
`
`account. Copies of the accounts receivable report, invoice, and shipping manifest are attached
`
`hereto as Exhibit 1. As reflected in the invoice and manifest, this order was fulfilled and shipped
`
`from Peco's facilities in Pocahontas, Arkansas.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`Maines Paper has failed to pay Peco for the poultry products.
`
`The total amount of the invoice is $97,524.00. The account included a credit in
`
`the amount of $11,043.47 related to an adjustment of a prior invoice, which Peco has offset and
`
`applied to the past due invoice. Accordingly, Maines Paper is indebted to Peco in the principal
`
`amount of $86,480.53.
`
`10.
`
`Attached hereto as Exhibit 2 is the affidavit of Linda McCollum, submitted
`
`pursuant to Ark. Code § 16-45-104, certifying the correctness of the facts stated in this complaint
`
`and that the account described herein is just and correct.
`
`COUNT I: OPEN ACCOUNT
`
`11.
`
`Peco incorporates by reference the allegations contained m the preceding
`
`paragraphs.
`
`12.
`
`13.
`
`Peco sold Maines Paper poultry products on an open account.
`
`Maines Paper failed to pay for the poultry products.
`
`03578238
`
`2
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 3 of 9
`
`14.
`
`Accordingly, Maines Paper is liable to Peco in the amount of $86,480.53, plus
`
`interest at the legal rate pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 16-65-114.
`
`15.
`
`Additionally, pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 16-22-308, Peco requests that the
`
`Court award it reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
`
`COUNT II: BREACH OF CONTRACT
`
`16.
`
`Peco incorporates by reference the allegations contained m the preceding
`
`paragraphs.
`
`17.
`
`Alternatively, Peco and Maines Paper entered into a valid and binding contract as
`
`represented by the shipping manifest and invoice, to which Maines Paper failed to object, and
`
`Maines Paper's acceptance of the poultry products.
`
`18. Maines Paper breached the contract by failing to pay for the poultry products.
`
`19.
`
`Accordingly, Maines Paper is liable to Peco in the amount of $86,480.53, plus
`
`interest at the legal rate pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 16-65-114.
`
`20.
`
`Additionally, pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 16-22-308, Peco requests that the
`
`Court award it reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
`
`COUNT III: UNJUST ENRICHMENT/QUANTUM MERUIT
`
`21.
`
`Peco incorporates by reference the allegations contained in the preceding
`
`paragraphs.
`
`22.
`
`Peco sold poultry products to Maines Paper. Maines Paper received and accepted
`
`the poultry products but did not pay Peco as promised. As a result, Maines Paper received a
`
`valuable benefit in the form of poultry products sold from Peco. Maines Paper's retention of the
`
`benefits conferred by Peco without payment violates principles of justice, equity, and good
`
`conscience. It would be unjust for Maines Paper to retain the benefits conferred upon it by Peco.
`
`03578238
`
`3
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 4 of 9
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`Therefore, Peco is entitled to recover from Maines Paper the reasonable value of the wrongfully
`
`accepted poultry products. The reasonable value of the poultry products for which Maines Paper
`
`has not paid is $86,480.53, plus interest at the legal rate pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 16-65-
`
`114.
`
`23.
`
`Additionally, pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 16-22-308, Peco requests that the
`
`Court award it reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
`
`WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Peco respectfully requests that the Court
`
`enter a judgment in its favor and against Maines Paper in the amount of $86,480.53, plus interest
`
`at the legal rate, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. Peco requests such other relief to
`
`which it is entitled.
`
`Dated: May 20, 2020.
`
`PECO FOODS, INC.
`
`OF COUNSEL:
`
`STEPHEN J. CARMODY, AR# 2013011
`BRUNINI, GRANTHAM, GROWER & HEWES, PLLC
`The Pinnacle Building, Ste. 100
`190 East Capitol Street (39201)
`Post Office Drawer 119
`Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0119
`Telephone: 601.948.3101
`Facsimile: 601.960.6902
`
`03578238
`
`4
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 5 of 9
`
`~ -1Z , 2020 11:14AM
`"-Foods.lK.
`
`Accounts Recelvable • CUstomer AdMty Samma,y- FOR. CREDIT
`lnvalceS Posted Thru 05IDlll2020
`Payments Posted Thnl 05'12/2020
`
`Co
`
`Pay Date
`
`Days to Pay
`
`lnvolceAmt
`
`Paymenls
`
`Adjustments
`
`---COl9CIJN. NY
`
`-"""' \'
`
`Invoice Bal
`
`(6111)772-1m
`
`04/15'2020
`04l29/2020
`
`D
`D
`D
`($11,043.47)
`lMBE IBal!ISEEB
`
`$1O1,147.n
`$101.147.n
`$97,524.00
`$299.819.54
`
`$101,147.n
`$191,045.67
`$0.00
`$292,193.44
`
`$0.00
`$78,854.43
`$0.00
`$78,854,43
`
`$0.00
`{$11,043.47)
`$97,524.00
`$86,480.53 Credft:§0
`
`Broker;
`
`Pun:hau Order
`lnvolc8I ~Dale
`lllanlrest
`323202 IMiePAPEiiFOODiiivici,~
`i>.o.iioiis
`608035
`01/1 lll2020
`1000996100
`50495
`613599
`03/10l2020
`53324
`1001013307
`616665
`OW3l2020
`54603
`1001020m
`CWNlll:
`$0.00
`2NO:
`$0.00 Over"5:
`SO.DO
`ltt-15:
`S97.524.00 .
`
`.........
`
`tabbies"
`
`- m >< :t: -m
`
`=i
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 6 of 9
`
`Peco Foods, Inc.
`1101 GREENSBORO AVE.
`P.O. BOX 1760 (35403)
`TUSCALOOSA, AL 35401
`SALES & CREDIT: 205-345-4711
`
`Page 1 of 1
`
`FIRST ON ANY MENU.sm
`
`\fs; MAINES PAPER & FOOD SERVICE, INC.
`}W P.O. BOX 555
`·ij~:t
`)ft
`r,~j CONKLIN, NY, 13748
`
`1:)~2i~·Ns:l@i!0Nk1 d,fr:!H\m%i:JW:fIPif~W'.'!M\ i•:·'-';,
`I
`616665
`04/03/2020
`11
`r- REMITTO
`
`I
`BY COURIER
`Harris Trust and Savings Bank
`Xerox c/o BMO Harris LBX 71273
`141 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1000
`Chicago, IL. 60604
`
`Peco Foods, Inc,
`P.O. Box 71273
`Chicago, IL 60694-1273
`
`I MAINES PAPER & FOOD SERVICE, INC NE\t'
`
`25 OTIS STREET
`WESTBOROUGH MA 01581
`508-621-2700 **PL TS 0/28**TRL 118**
`
`.
`
`TERI.IS
`WIRE TRANSFER
`
`DUE DATE
`04/03/2020
`
`PURCHASE ORDER NO.
`1001020277
`
`CUSTOMER NO,
`3323202
`
`SHIPPED VIA:
`JUSTINTIME TRUCKING
`
`945
`
`61303
`
`4/10# BRO FILLET SPICY NAIHM-WHO
`
`37,800.00
`
`2.5800
`
`$97,524.00
`
`54603
`
`945
`
`SUB TOTAL
`
`37,800.00
`
`2,5800
`
`$97,524.00
`
`PRODUCT OF U.S.A.
`
`Accounts Receivable
`
`$97,524.00
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 7 of 9
`
`· Peco f oqda1 lnc •• Pocationtu l,J. J 'IS u Cuatomer Copy ..
`II
`
`••REPRINT-.
`
`.
`4t14KWY67S
`POCAHONTAS, ~R 72455
`SAi.EiS &,,HiPF1NG: (870) 202•704Q
`FAX: 1870\. 793,2718
`.... • .
`.
`.
`-,
`1'11-;:,· ·, ."!'I,,,;·. . . • ·::··· · •' · · · · _ ....... 'ta'
`\
`Cll&tomer: 3323202
`MAINES.PAPER & FOOD SERVICE, INC.
`P.O. BOX 555
`
`· I
`
`,.-·---:~;;,,...;,_ ,.
`
`~1o-~t 1- ~u11<J
`DAT~ Apr 03, 2W02fi
`TIME: 11:13AM
`ii
`j 1,{
`PAGE: Page 1 of
`MANIPEST HO: 54603
`. :~ '·_· -.
`,·-~ . . . , . ··~•'•'·'· ., .,
`. • - ... . .
`· · ·_ciutnPING MANIFEST
`NII r
`Ship: MAINES PAPER & FOOD SERVICE, INC NEW ENGi
`25 OTIS STREET
`WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581
`608-621•2700 "'PLTS 0/28"'TRL 118 ..
`CONKLIN, NY 13748
`Seal Numbers: 177280
`.
`. "t T.J11Gkfne.CRl'PRIIIY•t,.r,.1;...~r--
`- ·1,, __ 8hlJl.Otta,...(- I :Jlllwrv.Pol/t'·it,
`.~ .. ~~ ... Q1dlrffo' ... ~.-
`I 04/03/2020
`I 04,0612020
`PEC-'101071
`JUSTINTIM& TRUCKING
`TfXARKANA..AR
`1:..,~,:n,~~~~-,..~.!.! .. 11hiwtl\AI.Olclllfr-
`·.,.~-
`'
`;• , TEXARKANA.AR
`1001020277
`
`Coito
`4/10# BRO FILLET SPICY NAIHM-WHO BK
`61303
`'rnt"I Boxaa And Pounds:
`30~
`PIRIIIWILIE PRDIIUCT • HANOU1 V(ITll CAA&
`GOYEll/11\Ellf IISPE(.1El)
`All load a are camera monitored and/or photographed for review of quality and tampering.
`All clatms must be noted on bnl of lading.
`Date:
`All claims must be reponecl to PECO by phone or fax wilhln 24 hours of delivery.
`- - - - - - - - -
`NO DEOUCTIONSALLOWEO FOR CLAIMS UNREPORTED,
`Time: _______ _
`PECO seserve_s the right for further Inspection.
`Phone: (870) 202-7040 Fax: (870) 793-2718
`
`I
`
`I
`
`Boxea
`946
`945
`
`LBSl8ox
`40.00
`
`I
`
`PouDdS
`37,800.00
`37.800.00
`
`customer's Blgmilura: ____________ _
`
`I
`
`,·
`
`If unable Jo d,Jlver produot at sch1duJad eppolntmunt Ume contact tho ehlpplnG depllrlmonl a1(870) 20Z•704Q. AU appointments
`npt mol on llmP wJIJ bo t\lbJ11cJ to i, lolo ch•roo If th111hlpplng doportmanl Is not vorbally noURed(2) houris beforo lha eohaduled
`appolntmonl time!
`The drlverbJ ro11pon1ll)lt for returning 11111 TEMPERATURG necOfU>ER STRIP byntall a Iona With his l1111olc:a. PaCCl f ooda lno, wUI
`daduot S1DD.OOlrom IJJt frvJph.\ lnvoJc, In MV Jn11tance In wWch lho iBMPERAlURE RECOROER STRIP la nut p1oparly return•¢
`The lntcklng oompanywm be field responqlble for any and all YEMPERATURE related clabn• ln \'dllch lhe T£MPERATUR&
`RECORDIR 8lRIP Ill not prompUy returned,
`TEMPEAAYURI! RECORDER 1 #: 1000832013
`Dfmra rnusl notify P(KO of MJ ehorteso or 4G111190 t,tlOt LO i.tavlng lleliYt11y IOCaUOA Call (070) 202,l<WO, or u Iii> ans.wtr400-GIS9•50-II,
`MAINTAIN •1QDE;GREES F.AHRJ:NHEIT IN CONTINUOUS MODE
`TRUCKS SEALS MUST BE BROKEN BY CUSTOMER.
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 8 of 9
`
`AFFIDAVIT OF LINDA McCOLL UM
`
`STATE OF ALABAMA
`COUNTY OF TUSCALOOSA
`
`BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, personally appeared Linda McCollum, who is
`
`personally known to me and who, upon first being duly sworn, deposes and says:
`
`l.
`
`My name is Linda McCollum. I am the Director of Credit/Collection Se1vices for
`
`Peco Foods, Inc. ("Peco") and have personal knowledge of the facts stated in this affidavit. I am
`
`authorized to make this affidavit on behalf of Peco.
`
`2.
`
`Peco is a poultry products provider for the industrial, retail, and food service
`
`markets across the United States.
`
`3.
`
`Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc. ("Maines Paper") is a food distributor that
`
`sells to fast food restaurants such as Wendy's.
`
`4.
`
`On April 3, 2020, Peco sold to Maines Paper poultry products on an open
`
`account. I have reviewed the copies of the accounts receivable report, invoice, and shipping
`
`manifest attached as Exhibit l to the complaint to be filed in this matter, and the accounts
`
`receivable report, invoice, and shipping manifest are true and correct. As reflected in the invoice
`
`and manifest, this order was fulfilled and shipped from Peco's facilities in Pocahontas, Ai·kamms.
`
`5.
`
`Maines Paper has failed to pay Peco for the poultry p1·oducts.
`
`03579252
`
`EXHIBIT
`
`

`

`Case 3:20-cv-00140-BSM Document 1 Filed 05/21/20 Page 9 of 9
`
`6.
`
`The totnl amount of the past due invoice is $97,524.00. The account included a
`
`credit in the amount $ I 1,043.47 related to an adjustment of a prior invoice, which Peco has
`
`offset and applied to the past clue invoice. Accordingly, Maines Paper is indebted to Peco in the
`
`p1'incipal amount of $86,480.53 as of the date this affidavit is signed. The account does not have
`
`a contractual interest rate. Instead, Peco will request interest at the legal rate pw-suant to Ark.
`
`Code Ann.§ 16-65-114.
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`This account is held by the original creditor and has not been assigned.
`
`I am familiar with Peco's books and records and with Maines Paper's account
`
`described above.
`
`9.
`
`The infonnation and amount stated in this affidavit are true and correct to the best
`
`of my knowledge, infonnation, and belief.
`
`THIS the 14th day of May, 2020.
`
`SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me the undersigned authority, this the 14th day
`
`of May, 2020.
`
`My Commission Expires:
`
`My Commission Expires 7/31/21
`
`0lS792S2
`
`2
`
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