Extension of Temporary Restraining Order for Rodeo Dallas
A Dallas County District Court judge on Friday approved extending an order that may close Deep Ellum bar Rodeo Dallas for up to two more weeks.
Attorneys representing Rodeo Dallas — and the property owner who sued the bar and successfully petitioned to get it shut down — both asked Judge Veretta Frazier for the temporary restraining order extension.
In separate proposals filed Friday, Dave Wishnew, representing the owners of Rodeo Dallas, and Ben Riemer, representing Asana Partners, one of the largest property owners in Deep Ellum, cite “good cause” to extend a temporary restraining order to Sept. 5. Both documents say the restraining order blocking the bar from opening was due to expire Friday.
“The court in its discretion determines that there is good cause to extend the Temporary Restraining Order by an additional two weeks so that the parties may continue efforts to implement security measures at Rodeo Dallas,” Riemer’s proposal said, which Frazier signed. Wishnew’s proposal doesn’t cite a reason, but mentions a status conference hearing held Thursday laying out why the closure should continue.
Background of the Case
Chris Dalton, Asana Partners managing director of asset management, said his group found the 14-day extension encouraging.
“We believe this step is a win for safety in Deep Ellum, and we remain committed to the neighborhood and those who live, work, or visit there,” he said in a statement.
Wishnew declined to comment, and Riemer didn’t immediately respond Friday to requests for comment.
Another status conference hearing is scheduled for Aug. 29, court records show.
Frazier granted Asana Partners’ initial request for a temporary restraining order to keep the bar closed on Aug. 8 amid ongoing public safety concerns. Both sides argued in court Aug. 14 for and against keeping the order in place, but Frazier has yet to issue any ruling — meaning Rodeo Dallas remains closed.
Public Safety Concerns
The 2-year-old bar is on the corner of Elm and Crowdus streets and known for its mechanical bull. It attracts crowds of hundreds nightly. Asana Partners is a North Carolina-based real estate firm and owns 30 properties and six parking lots in Deep Ellum, including several near Rodeo Dallas.
During the Aug. 14 temporary injunction hearing, Dallas police officers, neighboring business owners and property owners testified that Rodeo Dallas has created unsafe conditions for both its customers and the surrounding neighborhood. Asana Partners’ attorneys argued that the bar regularly over-serves alcohol, allows underage patrons, fails to check for weapons, exceeds noise limits and doesn’t properly manage its more than 500 customers that spill into the streets after closing at 2 a.m.
They also noted the bar’s owners only began making changes after the city issued an official warning in July, despite previous incidents, including a fatal shooting outside the bar in March.
Rodeo Dallas’ Response
Rodeo Dallas’ lawyers argued that the bar is being unfairly blamed for broader public safety issues in Deep Ellum, which they say the city should address.
They said the bar is working to meet the city’s Aug. 25 deadline for improvements and that shutting it down now would be premature, especially since the city itself isn’t pushing for closure. They also argued there’s no proof that closing Rodeo Dallas would reduce crime, as the problems are spread across the entire district.
Joseph Ybanez, one of the owners of Rodeo Dallas, testified that the bar is working with the city to improve security, including enhanced training for staff and adding metal detectors. He warned that a prolonged closure of the 2-year-old bar could force it to shut down for good and cost its 30 to 40 employees their jobs.
City’s Demands
The city is demanding that Rodeo Dallas make food service just as important as alcohol service — hiring kitchen staff, tracking food and alcohol sales, and promoting dining more than drinking — while also getting all the proper city permits. The bar has to keep noise under control, hire armed security to manage crowds and keep detailed incident logs, and install high-quality surveillance cameras in and outside the bar and store footage for at least 30 days.
A crowd management plan is required, including metal detectors at entrances, stricter entry rules with no new customers being let in after 1:15 a.m., and better lighting for safety. Also, all employees have to be trained in conflict resolution, responsible alcohol service and emergency response, and the venue has to fix any building or cleanliness problems.
Conclusion
The extension of the temporary restraining order for Rodeo Dallas is a significant development in the ongoing saga of public safety concerns in Deep Ellum. The city’s demands for improvements and the bar’s efforts to comply will be closely watched in the coming weeks. The fate of Rodeo Dallas and its impact on the surrounding neighborhood remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the city is taking a firm stance on ensuring public safety in its entertainment districts.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Rodeo Dallas?
A: Rodeo Dallas is currently closed due to a temporary restraining order issued by a Dallas County District Court judge.
Q: Why was the temporary restraining order extended?
A: The temporary restraining order was extended to allow the parties to continue efforts to implement security measures at Rodeo Dallas.
Q: What are the city’s demands for Rodeo Dallas?
A: The city is demanding that Rodeo Dallas make food service just as important as alcohol service, keep noise under control, hire armed security, and install high-quality surveillance cameras, among other things.
Q: What is the potential consequence of Rodeo Dallas not complying with the city’s demands?
A: If Rodeo Dallas does not comply with the city’s demands, it could lead to fines, a nuisance designation, or legal action to shut the business down.
