A dispute over waiting chairs outside KC’s Oyster Shack in Port Aransas has turned into a civil lawsuit, owner says the city unfairly fined him.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A dispute over a few chairs outside a popular Port Aransas oyster bar has turned into a courtroom fight with City Hall.

KC’s Oyster Shack owner Chad Gorczyca says the City of Port Aransas started fining him over chairs customers use while waiting to get inside the small restaurant.

The oyster bar is known for long lines and limited seating. Customers usually sign their names on a sheet outside the front door before waiting for one of the restaurant’s 14 seats to open up.



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Gorczyca says the city wants the chairs removed and claims they violate parking and occupancy rules.

“The city has been fining me for having these chairs outside just for people for waiting purposes, and they’ve been wanting me to remove them – and I just don’t think it’s right that I have to have people sitting on the floor,” Gorczyca said.

According to Gorczyca, Port Aransas limits restaurants to four seats for every parking space available. He believes the city counts his business as having only four parking spaces, allowing a maximum of 16 seats. He argues the waiting chairs outside should not count toward that total.

Gorczyca also claims other businesses are allowed to have customers gathered outside without facing similar enforcement.

“I was at another restaurant last night, and there were 40 people sitting outside in the parking lot with margaritas in their hands, and they’re sitting on the benches outside. But, they don’t have the parking for that. But I don’t think they get harassed for that. I’m being, I just think I’m being – I feel like I’m being targeted. ”

The dispute has now escalated beyond city citations. Port Aransas has filed a civil lawsuit against Gorczyca, moving the case into district court.

Attorney Chris Gale, who is representing the oyster bar owner, says they plan to fight the case.

“My client is being sued civilly for having a couple of chairs and parking spaces,” Gale said. “We look forward to defending it.”

Port Aransas Mayor Wendy Moore declined an interview, saying the city could not comment because the case is now in litigation.

No trial date has been set.

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