Austin Barbecue Restaurant Tries to ‘Bully’ Its Way Into Deep Ellum | Eater Dallas

"A beloved live-comedy venue in Deep Ellum, I've seen Dallas Comedy House build a strong following over three years in its current space (and five years before that where Dot's Hop House is now), staging events such as its 9th annual Dallas Comedy Festival. Owner Amanda Austin says the new landlord introduced themselves not with a call but with a default letter and a termination-of-tenancy notice, despite her having two more years on the lease plus an option to renew; she alleges the buyer has embarked on a four-month campaign to try to create or 'find' some alleged default. During the festival the fire marshal paid an unexpected visit after a complaint, and a subsequent inspection found no violations, yet the buyer wanted Austin out by April 16; their lawyer, Boyd Mouse, reportedly warned that if it wasn’t a 'peaceful and orderly turnover' things could get ugly. I note strong neighborhood support for the venue and Austin’s declaration—“I’m a good tenant. I run a good business... And I will not be bullied.”—which captures why residents are rallying behind it." - Alaena Hostetter