Proposed Restaurant Causing Concerns

TYLER — The opening of a new restaurant would normally be a big plus in this economy, but the Double D Ranch in Tyler has been controversial from the start. Now there’s a new wrinkle to the legal case against the restaurant. The Double D Ranch is trying to go up at the site of the old El Chico, but not without protests from some local citizens. One says, “It’s right across from a school and it’s right next to Toys R Us and Babies R Us. So in my opinion, they may have the right to build it, but that doesn’t make it right.”

Toys R Us sought and got a temporary restraining order from Judge Christi Kennedy of the 114th District Court. The problem is the costumes worn by the waitresses. Some point out, though, that Toys R Us sells a Cowboys Cheerleader two-piece outfit on its website and Mattel makes a Cowboys Cheerleader Barbie.

But now, it has been learned, the Double D’s landlord is Toys R Us. Our news partner KETK obtained a copy of the lease, and one clause prohibits “nude or semi-nude entertainment or otherwise indecent uses” for the property. Double D Ranch is represented by local attorney Blake Armstrong, and Toys R Us by the Potter Minton firm. Neither would talk to KETK.