Chili’s Restaurant At American Airlines Center Abruptly Closes After Dispute Between Franchisee, Landlord

Dallas Morning News:

The operator of the Chili’s Grill & Bar at American Airlines Center hastily closed the restaurant down late Thursday, less than two weeks before the Dallas Stars’ preseason opener.

Base Holdings LLC, a company launched by entrepreneur Gilbert Aranza, shuttered the 10-month-old restaurant, removing furniture and equipment, after an ongoing dispute with Center Operating Co., according to Richard Pullman, the attorney for Base.

Center Operating serves as the landlord for American Airlines Center.

“Of course, we are disappointed that the franchisee has closed the store that everyone hoped would attract new customers to Victory Park,” Brad Mayne, president of Center Operating Co. said in a statement. “COC has been working diligently for several months to assist the restaurant operator and continue the Chili’s operations. Therefore, we were surprised that this action was taken and especially that it occurred in this manner.”

Pullman painted a picture of a beleaguered franchisee who, along with other investors, sunk $2.8 million into opening the Chili’s on the ground floor of American Airlines Center, only to be hamstrung by a host of logistical issues.