What You Should Know if You Are Considering a Dram Shop Case against Del Frisco's
I have been suing bars for violating liquor laws for over 30 years. In that time, I have seen over and over just how severe the consequences of their irresponsibility can be. In order to help those who haven't had my first-hand experience better understand the extent of this problem, I often investigate Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and report what I find here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and would like to discuss the options available to you, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
In 1980, Dale Wamstad opened his first Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse in Louisville, Kentucky. In the decades that followed, this initial location grew into a successful, upscale dining chain. After over 30 years of business, a second concept was devised: Del Frisco's Grille. This new chain was an alternate, trendier take on the more traditional steakhouse model that Double Eagle embodied. Between the two brands, there is currently a combined total of over 40 Del Frisco's locations around the country. Although long held by Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, ownership passed to Landry's, Inc. in September, 2019. As of 2017, the estimated yearly revenue hovered around $361.4 million.
The vast majority of bars I have sued for their role in causing tragic accidents had already raised the authorities' suspicions at least once before someone was killed or severely injured by their actions. That's why I pay such close attention to the TABC's complaint records; they are the alarm bells alerting us to where there might be danger. In spite of its reputation as an upscale restaurant, in 2017, two Del Frisco's locations in Texas found themselves under TABC investigation for alleged liquor law violations.
I want to emphasize that, just because an investigation occurred, it does not necessarily mean the bar in question committed a violation. All it means is that authorities believed there was enough evidence to warrant further inspection. In fact, no bar should be presumed to have broken the law until convicted in court. By the same token, if authorities investigate a bar but close the case without taking action, it could indicate either innocence or simply insufficient evidence for a conviction. What follows is a list of recent TABC investigations into Del Frisco's.
Del Frisco's Locations that TABC Investigated in 2017
Plano - 7200 Bishop Road Suite D9
Allegation:
On 03/15/2017, a law enforcement agent notified TABC of two alleged violations. The first was for a breach of the peace, which simply means that there was a disturbance of some kind. The second was for an unspecified code violation.
The investigation was relatively short, lasting only 9 days from start to finish. On average, an investigation remains open for at least a month or two. Lacking sufficient evidence to prove a violation, TABC closed this case on 03/24/2017.
Plano - 5905 Legacy Drive Suite A120
Allegation:
A member of the Plano community filed a complaint on 06/26/2017 that charged this location with selling alcohol to an intoxicated patron.
TABC investigated the matter, but as is most often the case, they found no hard proof of a criminal or administrative violation. On 07/22/2017, they concluded their work and shut the case.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas dram shop law (i.e. lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
