Introduction to the Case
The Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas has made a significant decision regarding Rodeo Dallas, a bar located in the Deep Ellum area. The court denied an emergency request from the bar to pause a temporary injunction that was shutting it down indefinitely. This means that Rodeo Dallas will have to remain closed until its full appeal is decided or the case goes to trial next spring.
Background of the Case
In a brief order issued by Justice Jessica Lewis and two other justices, Rodeo Dallas’ request was rejected without explanation. The only statement made was: “After reviewing the motion, appellee’s response, and appellee’s supplement, we deny the motion.” This ruling upholds a September 9 Dallas County District Court order that shut down Rodeo Ranch indefinitely. The order was made after Asana Partners, a neighboring property owner, sued the bar in August. Asana Partners argued that the bar’s operations created a public nuisance that harmed its properties and tenants.
The Appeal and Emergency Motion
Rodeo Dallas appealed the ruling last month and later filed an emergency motion to reopen the bar pending the higher court’s review of the injunction challenge. A trial is currently scheduled in Dallas County District Court for April 2026. Ben Riemer, an attorney representing Asana Partners, stated that the temporary injunction was entered to protect Deep Ellum and its visitors, workers, and residents. He expressed pleasure that the temporary injunction will continue to be enforced during the appeal.
The Shutdown and Its Consequences
Rodeo Dallas had been locked out by its landlord, Westdale Properties, on August 5 but reopened the next day after obtaining a separate court order. On August 8, Asana Partners filed its lawsuit, and a judge issued a temporary restraining order shutting the bar down for several weeks. After an August 14 hearing, the court issued a temporary injunction on September 9, shutting down Rodeo Ranch indefinitely. Dallas County District Judge Veretta Frazier cited testimony alleging the bar overserved alcohol, allowed underage drinking, and failed to stop violence — including a March murder tied to its patrons.
Investigations and Warnings
This summer, Texas alcohol regulators investigated Rodeo Ranch for allegedly selling alcohol to minors. In late July, Dallas warned the bar to fix multiple code violations by August 25 or face a court-ordered shutdown. The city tied 16 crimes to the bar over the past year. Despite warnings, officials said the bar failed to improve. Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Moreno expected the city to sue Rodeo Dallas, as city inspections showed the bar still hadn’t met the city’s demands.
The Bar’s Argument
In its emergency motion to the appeals court, Rodeo Dallas argues that the injunction is illegal and too broad because it doesn’t prove the bar directly caused irreparable harm to Asana Partners. Rodeo Dallas’ attorneys also contend that crime in Deep Ellum existed before the bar opened in 2023 and that a full shutdown, instead of more narrow fixes like security improvements, would destroy the business entirely. They noted that Rodeo Dallas’ lease with Westdale Properties allows the landlord to terminate the agreement if Rodeo can’t operate in its space for more than 90 consecutive days or 120 total days in a year.
Conclusion
The denial of Rodeo Dallas’ emergency request means that the bar will remain closed until its full appeal is decided or the case goes to trial next spring. This decision has significant implications for the bar, its employees, and the community. The case highlights the importance of addressing public nuisance and ensuring that businesses operate in a way that does not harm their surroundings.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Rodeo Dallas?
A: Rodeo Dallas is currently shut down indefinitely due to a temporary injunction issued by the Dallas County District Court.
Q: Why was the temporary injunction issued?
A: The temporary injunction was issued because Asana Partners, a neighboring property owner, sued the bar alleging that its operations created a public nuisance that harmed its properties and tenants.
Q: What is Rodeo Dallas’ argument against the injunction?
A: Rodeo Dallas argues that the injunction is illegal and too broad because it doesn’t prove the bar directly caused irreparable harm to Asana Partners.
Q: When is the trial scheduled?
A: The trial is currently scheduled in Dallas County District Court for April 2026.
Q: What are the potential consequences for Rodeo Dallas if the injunction is upheld?
A: If the injunction is upheld, Rodeo Dallas may be forced to remain closed, which could lead to the destruction of the business entirely.
