A Jonesboro couple is taking legal action to challenge the city's refusal to approve a private-club permit for their planned upscale steakhouse.
Michael Shannon Kee and Elaine Kee filed a lawsuit in Craighead County Circuit Court on Nov. 3, claiming the Jonesboro City Council unfairly denied their application to sell alcohol at their proposed restaurant, 141 Prime. The restaurant was planned for 2740 N. Church Street.
According to the lawsuit, the couple applied for the private-club permit on Aug. 24, but their request was turned down during a city council meeting on Oct. 20. The council reportedly cited the restaurant's proximity to a nearby school as the reason for the denial.
The lawsuit argues that the council's decision was "arbitrary and capricious," as the application complied with all requirements and local ordinances. It also contends that city ordinances do not list proximity to schools as a factor in deciding whether to grant such permits.
Further, the lawsuit asserts that other establishments located near schools have previously been approved for similar alcohol permits, suggesting inconsistency in the city’s decision-making process.
The lawsuit asks the Circuit Court to reverse the council’s denial of the permit. At this time, no further statement has been issued from the city or the council members regarding the legal challenge.
The couple’s steakhouse project remains on hold as they await resolution in court.