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<\/p>\nA dispute over waiting chairs outside KC\u2019s Oyster Shack in Port Aransas has turned into a civil lawsuit, owner says the city unfairly fined him.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 A dispute over a few chairs outside a popular Port Aransas oyster bar has turned into a courtroom fight with City Hall.<\/p>\n
KC\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 14 seats to open up.<\/p>\n
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Gorczyca says the city wants the chairs removed and claims they violate parking and occupancy rules.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe city has been fining me for having these chairs outside just for people for waiting purposes, and they\u2019ve been wanting me to remove them – and I just don\u2019t think it\u2019s right that I have to have people sitting on the floor,\u201d Gorczyca said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gorczyca also claims other businesses are allowed to have customers gathered outside without facing similar enforcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was at another restaurant last night, and there were 40 people sitting outside in the parking lot with margaritas in their hands, and they\u2019re sitting on the benches outside. But, they don\u2019t have the parking for that. But I don\u2019t think they get harassed for that. I\u2019m being, I just think I\u2019m being – I feel like I\u2019m being targeted. \u201d<\/p>\n
The dispute has now escalated beyond city citations. Port Aransas has filed a civil lawsuit against Gorczyca, moving the case into district court.<\/p>\n
Attorney Chris Gale, who is representing the oyster bar owner, says they plan to fight the case.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy client is being sued civilly for having a couple of chairs and parking spaces,\u201d Gale said. \u201cWe look forward to defending it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Port Aransas Mayor Wendy Moore declined an interview, saying the city could not comment because the case is now in litigation.<\/p>\n
No trial date has been set.<\/p>\n
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