Former owner of restaurant group faces bank fraud charges

GREAT FALLS – The former owner of a regional restaurant group has denied federal bank fraud and money laundering charges.

Kenneth Hatzenbeller, of Great Falls, entered his not guilty pleas in U.S. District Court in Great Falls on Nov. 29. His trial is scheduled for Feb. 6 before U.S. District Judge Brian Morris.

Hatzenbeller was indicted on allegations that he received a $500,000 loan from Utah-based Zions Bank by falsely saying he needed the money to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment for restaurants in Idaho and Washington.

He also is accused of receiving a $600,000 loan from Yellowstone Bank by fraudulently saying he planned to open a Chili’s restaurant in Billings.

Shoot the Moon LLC filed for bankruptcy in October 2015 and later sold its 11 Chili’s restaurants in Montana, Idaho and Eastern Washington for $12.5 million.