Co-Owners of HobNob’s to Pay Nearly $92,000 in Restitution and Fines for Failing to Pay Tax

Phoenix, AZ—Co-defendants Bobby Hodge and Cherylin Hodge, owners of HobNob’s in downtown Phoenix, have been ordered to pay restitution and fines totaling nearly $92,000 for failing to pay transaction privilege tax (TPT). HobNob’s, a popular restaurant in the historic district of downtown Phoenix, closed in 2019 following 11 years in business.

After HobNob’s closed, Bobby and Cherylin Hodge opened another restaurant in 2020, The Edgemont, located on Central Avenue just south of Thomas Road. However, they had a rough start with the COVID-19 pandemic soaring in 2020 and lasting through much of 2021. The Hodges never really gained traction at The Edgemont and sold their business before 2022 came to a close, fewer than three years later.

Following the sale of The Edgemont, the Hodges made a payment of $135,000 to the Arizona Department of Revenue in order to pay down their nearly $225,000 liability prior to entering into a plea agreement for the remaining liability, plus a fine.

As part of their plea agreements, Bobby and Cherylin Hodge each agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $89,326.79 and a fine totaling $2,500 for failing to pay TPT.

The Arizona Department of Revenue’s Criminal Investigation Unit investigated the case with assistance from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

State vs. Bobby Earl Hodge (CR2021-002253) (001)
State vs. Cherylin Kate Hodge (CR2021-002253) (002)

Thursday, February 16, 2023