Thinking About Filing A Dram Shop Lawsuit Against Joe's Crab Shack? Here's What You Should Know
My firm has filed dram shop claims against more bars than anyone else in Texas. I don't think the general public understands just how widespread a problem the over-service of alcohol is. One way I've decided to help inform them is examining the records of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and share what I find. If you believe you may have a Dram Shop claim against a licensed vendor and would like to talk about it, please call our office at (855) 326-0000.
Joe's Crab Shack opened its first location almost 20 years ago in Houston, TX. After opening additional locations due to significant success, Joe's was sold to J.H. Whitney & Company for approximately $192 million before being re-acquired by Landry's Inc. in a 2017 bankruptcy auction. Landry's has since closed about 40 locations across the country and is in the process of "re-focusing" the brand before resuming its growth.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has conducted 7 investigations into allegations of improper service or handling of alcohol since the start of 2007.
Simply because a Joe's Crab Shack location was investigated, it does not mean that they are a location that displays a pattern of violating TABC code. Conversely, if a location has been investigated and investigators determine that they are not in violation of TABC code, that does not mean that the alleged violation did not take place. At times, sufficient evidence required to prove that either criminal or administrative violations occurred is hard to come by. By posting these complaints and investigations, we don't mean to suggest any wrongdoing by an employee of any Joe's Crab Shack; we are simply reporting the locations that were put on the TABC's radar for one reason or another by concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Joe's Crab Shack Locations that Have Been Investigated by the TABC Since 2007
Houston - 14901 N Freeway
Allegation:
On 4/5/2007, a concerned citizen alleged that this particular location had sold or dispensed alcohol to a minor.
The investigation was closed on 4/13/2007 with no further action taken.
San Antonio - 255 E Basse Rd
Allegation:
On 6/9/2010, a member of the San Antonio community alleged that this location had sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
The investigation was closed on 7/28/2010 with no further action taken.
Cedar Hill - 735 S Hwy 67 N
Allegation:
On 5/2/2011, a patron notified the TABC regarding the alleged sale of alcohol to an intoxicated person.
The investigation was closed on 6/5/2011 with no further action taken.
Humble - 20100 US 59
Allegation:
On 9/6/2013, a private citizen brought allegations against this Joe's Crab Shack location that they had sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
The investigation was closed on 9/14/2013 after TABC investigators issued a written warning for possessing distilled spirits without an ID stamp.
Sugar Land - 19740 Sw Freeway
Allegation:
On 9/12/2014, a possible patron alleged that this location had sold an intoxicated person alcohol.
The investigation was closed on 11/5/2014 with no further action taken.
Cedar Hill - 735 S Hwy 67 N
Allegation:
On 06/10/2015, this location was alleged to have sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
The investigation was closed on 08/12/2015 with no further action taken.
McAllen - 711 Hwy 83 East
Allegation:
On 08/10/2015, this location was alleged by a patron that an employee was intoxicated on the job.
The investigation was closed on 9/23/2015 with no further action taken.
Houston - 2621 S Loop West
Allegation:
On 2/17/2016, this location was alleged to have sold alcohol to a minor by an employee of this Joe's Crab Shack.
The investigation was closed on 3/30/2016 and a $1,200.00 fine was levied against the business.
Arlinton - 1520 Nolan Ryan Expressway
Allegation:
A member of the Arlington community alleged that a patron was allowed to take a drink out of the restaurant with the manager's approval on 7/10/2017.
TABC investigators looked into the matter and found that there wasn't enough evidence to corroborate the claims made. The investigation was closed on 8/9/2017 with no further action taken.
Galveston - 3502 Seawall Boulevard
Allegation:
Galveston law enforcement officials alleged that an intoxicated person was over-served on 7/27/2017.
Despite the allegations from law enforcement, TABC investigators closed the case on 10/15/2017 with no further action.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas dram shop law (i.e. liqour liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
