Rhoades v. Barcal

Plaintiffs appeal the decision of the trial judge that the relationship between plaintiffs and defendants did not constitute a partnership, and that plaintiffs are not entitled to additional compensation for their labors on behalf of defendants’ Melody Lanes, a bowling and dining facility in South Haven, Michigan.

This is an unfortunate and difficult case, with many disputed questions of fact. Those that are not disputed are as follows.

In early 1967 Deo Rhoades was operating a gas station in South Haven. His business was about to end because the state had condemned the property. Mr. Rhoades…