Why Ramzy Hattar Is Facing a Federal Lawsuit
The owner of Portlandβs River Pig Saloon is facing a federal lawsuit over allegations that he improperly obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in pandemic relief for a Eugene bar that had already shut down.
The United States filed the civil complaint against Hattar and Zedan Outdoors LLC on September 10 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
The docket identifies the case as a False Claims Act action.
According to the complaint and recent reporting, Hattar operated Taylorβs Bar & Grill, a longtime establishment near the University of Oregon campus.
Oregon liquor regulators revoked the barβs license on February 25, 2020, and Taylorβs closed permanently.
Contemporary reporting showed a βClosed Foreverβ notice on the building.
How the Alleged $348,200 COVID Loan Scheme Worked
Federal prosecutors allege that, despite Taylorβs closure, Hattar applied for pandemic assistance on behalf of the business.
On or around March 31, 2020, he allegedly submitted an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, certifying that Taylorβs had 26 employees and qualified for federal assistance.
Prosecutors also allege the application listed 529 NW 13th Avenue in Portland as Taylorβs business address, the location of the River Pig Saloon.
The SBA initially provided a $10,000 EIDL advance, followed by another $202,500 in disaster-loan funding, according to the lawsuit.
Hattar allegedly then applied for a PPP loan, resulting in another $135,700 payment through Solera National Bank.
Together, prosecutors say the payments totaled $348,200.
What Happened to the PPP Loan?
The federal complaint alleges that the PPP loan was neither repaid nor forgiven.
The SBA ultimately charged off the loan at more than $145,000, including interest, according to court records.
Prosecutors also allege Hattar submitted another PPP application in January 2021, but that request was denied. Zedan Outdoors LLC was later administratively dissolved in October 2025.
What Is the False Claims Act?
The federal government brought the case under the False Claims Act, a law that allows the government to seek damages from parties accused of knowingly submitting false claims for government funds.
The government is seeking treble damages, meaning three times the alleged financial loss, along with civil penalties.
Court records indicate the government is seeking at least $1 million in damages and penalties.
The lawsuit comes as federal authorities continue pursuing alleged COVID-relief fraud years after the emergency programs ended.
The Justice Department has continued bringing both criminal and civil cases involving alleged misuse of PPP and EIDL funds.
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Timeline of the Taylorβs Bar Case
February 25, 2020: Oregon regulators revoke Taylorβs liquor license and the bar closes.
March 31, 2020: Prosecutors allege Hattar submitted an EIDL application for Taylorβs.
AprilβMay 2020: The SBA provides the EIDL funds, including a $10,000 advance and $202,500 loan disbursement.
May 6, 2020: A $135,700 PPP loan is allegedly deposited.
January 2021: A second PPP application is allegedly submitted but denied.
October 2025: Zedan Outdoors LLC is administratively dissolved.
September 10, 2026: The United States files the federal lawsuit against Hattar and Zedan Outdoors.
What Happens Next?
Hattar has not yet entered an appearance in the federal case, and the latest docket information does not list defense counsel.
Requests for comment were reportedly not immediately answered.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
The lawsuit represents the federal government’s claims, and Hattar is entitled to defend against them through the judicial process.
