The Information You'll Need for a Dram Shop Case against Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
With more liquor liability cases under my belt than any other lawyer in Texas, I'm deeply aware of the impact that negligent over-service of alcohol can have. Such negligence is all too common, however, many people are not aware just how widespread it is. In order to increase public awareness of this issue, I often review TABC investigation records and post about my findings. If you believe you may have a dram shop case, please give me a call at (855) 326-0000.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is the biggest brand owned by the Pappas family. In total, the family operates over ten unique restaurant chains, with over 90 locations across the nation. Annually, the Pappas family restaurant empire grosses an estimated $473.8 million, making it one of the biggest players in the category of family-owned restaurants.
One of the risks that comes with serving alcohol is the potential to run into trouble with TABC. Since 2016, there have been six investigations into Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for alleged improper handling or service of alcohol. However, an investigation does not necessarily mean that a violation occurred. On the other hand, it is possible for a violation to have taken place even when an investigation turns up no evidence.
Finding sufficient evidence to prove that either criminal or administrative violations occurred can be difficult. The below is simply a list of locations that ended up on TABC's radar following complaints from concerned citizens or law enforcement agencies.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen Locations Investigated Since 2016
San Antonio - 76 NE Interstate 410 Loop
Allegation:
Following a complaint from a concerned citizen on 02/09/2016, TABC investigated the claim that an intoxicated patron received alcohol from the restaurant staff.
Lacking sufficient evidence, the investigation concluded on 02/19/2016.
Duncanville - 800 E Highway 67
Allegation:
On 04/11/2016, an unnamed source alleged that restaurant sold alcohol to a drunk person. Based on this report, TABC opened an investigation on 04/11/2016.
After failing to find sufficient evidence, TABC closed the complaint on 06/02/2016.
Pharr - 1610 W U.S. Highway 83
Allegation:
After being notified by law enforcement, TABC investigated this location for two different alleged violations on 05/31/2016. The first was for failure to report an alcohol-related breach of the peace, while the second was for selling alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Despite the police being the source of this complaint, TABC was unable to confirm the allegations and closed the investigation on 07/12/2016. This only goes to show how difficult it can be to hold bars responsible: an officer's word isn't even enough evidence to make the case.
Grapevine - 600 W Highway 114
Allegation:
On 04/26/2016, a citizen complaint led to an investigation of this location for allegedly dispensing alcohol to a minor.
With no hard proof of a violation, TABC terminated the investigation on 06/10/2016 and no further action was taken.
Dallas - 3520 Oak Lawn Avenue
Allegation:
On 02/08/2017, TABC received an anonymous tip on that this location had allegedly over served a patron.
Lacking sufficient evidence of a criminal or administrative offense, the matter was dropped on 04/08/2017.
Houston - 2525 S Loop West
Allegation:
After a law enforcement referral, TABC looked into a disturbance of the peace that allegedly occurred here on 10/08/2018.
Following a swift investigation, the case concluded the next day with no further action taken. How thorough could a one-day investigation have been? If it were a complaint from a private citizen with a grudge, it would be easy to understand how the case was resolved so quickly, but this was a police referral. Certainly, the cops aren't going around making baseless accusations.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas Dram Shop law (i.e. liquor liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
