At the time of the split, LeAnn owned JMueller and John managed the pits. John and LeAnn couldn't get along because John's ego, drama, and yes - financial improprieties. She fired him and hired John Lewis while changing the name to LA Barbecue. John Mueller struck out on his own (he may have had investors) with John Mueller Meat Co. until he was shut down for not paying taxes.
He's proven that he can cook, but he can't run a business.
So, now with Black Box, he's trying again to just manage the meats and let someone else manage the money. We'll see if his attitude has changed, but I doubt it.