A lawyer for the real estate firm that sued Rodeo Dallas, leading to the Deep Ellum bar’s indefinite closure, says the case is about public safety, not racism.
Ben Riemer, representing Asana Partners, accused Rodeo Dallas on Tuesday of spreading misleading information on social media after a judge refused to let the bar reopen.
Rodeo Dallas posted a video on Instagram last week featuring co-owner Joseph Ybanez claiming the lawsuit is an attempt by Asana Partners to push out Black and Latino customers and raise its property values in Deep Ellum. The North Carolina-based real estate firm owns 30 properties and six parking lots in Deep Ellum, including several near Rodeo Dallas.
“Rodeo Dallas was shut down by Judge (Veretta) Frazier because they were creating an unsafe environment for their patrons, the Deep Ellum community, and law enforcement,” Riemer said. “This recent social media campaign is an attempt to try and divert the attention away from the fact that the reckless and unlawful conduct at Rodeo Dallas was creating an unsafe environment.”
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Frazier approved Asana Partners’ request for a temporary injunction on Sept. 5, blocking the bar from opening indefinitely while citing testimony that Rodeo Dallas overserves alcohol, serves underage customers and fails to prevent violence, which has fueled late-night disturbances, physical harm to police officers and a March murder linked to its patrons. She also noted that the bar’s environment has forced nearby Asana Partners businesses to close before midnight to avoid the chaos when hundreds of patrons are released at Rodeo Dallas’ 2 a.m. closing time.
Rodeo Dallas’ attorneys have appealed the ruling, arguing the bar needs to reopen to implement a revamped security plan and avoid permanent closure. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.