If they don’t get it, could it might turn into a Denny’s. That’s a worse-case scenario, but it could happen, according to a Garden Cafe attorney.
Garden Café has been an East Dallas staple for some years now. Nestled in the middle of a historical residential neighborhood, the little restaurant that features art shows, poetry readings and BYOB dinners has just recently encountered some problems with city zoning issues. Essentially the city plans to disallow the aforementioned BYOB events which GC owners say are the “heart and soul” of the establishment.
Things went south when the café filed an application for rezoning that would allow them to serve beer and wine. That got the attention of neighbors and also prompted the city to tell them: Hey, those BYOB parties you are having? You can’t do that.
So now Garden Café is in a real pickle. The only option, really, is to proceed with the rezoning permit that would allow beer and wine with several provisions that include closing at 10 p.m. That was rejected by the city once, but now, armed with many supportive letters and added compromises (GC added that 50% of establishment sales will be food, a precaution against turning the place into a tavern rather than a café) they will return to the city council Sept. 14. They ask supporters to email council rep Angela Hunt at angela.hunt@dallascityhall.com.
Opponents of the rezoning can also email Hunt. Remember that video we posted about the kids at Munger park? In the comments section, note the voice of the opposition, who fear that the rezoning will allow bars in the neighborhood.
An email today from Garden Café also warns that current zoning allows for any number of bigger and louder and less desirable food establishments — a Denny’s, for example. If something happens to cause current owner Dale Wootton to give up or lose the place, notes Garden Cafe attorney Roger Albright in an email sent by the owner’s son Mark Wootten, an all-night diner or some such could potentially pop up on the property, based on current zoning requirements.
“Please do not read this as a threat,” Mark notes. “As long as Dale owns the building this will not happen. I only feel it’s important to outline the worst-case scenario if the zoning is kept as is.”
