Sequiota Bike Shop to close amid landlord dispute

Photo courtesy Sequiota Bike Shop

The restaurant, bar, bicycle rental shop and event venue is closing, effective March 5.

Amid a dispute with the landlord, the owners of Sequiota Bike Shop LLC in Galloway Village are calling it quits.

The company yesterday posted on its Facebook page that the restaurant, bar, bicycle rental shop and event venue will close, effective March 5.

“Due to reasons beyond our control, we can no longer justify fighting for what isn’t welcome,” the post reads.

Sequiota Bike Shop opened in May 2015 at 3521 S. Lone Pine Ave. when Darlene Bannigan acted as landlord and owner of the less than 1-acre property and adjacent 2.8 acres. Court documents related to a lawsuit filed by Sequiota Bike Shop indicate Bannigan died in September 2016, and her descendants and heirs are Roger Munson and Scott Bannigan.

Problems appear to have arose after Darlene Bannigan’s death, according to court documents.

On Feb. 23, Greene County Circuit Court granted Sequiota Bike Shop — owned by Tom Muetzel and Anne Baker — a preliminary injunction against Munson and Bannigan, barring them from:
    •    coming within 50 feet of the leased premises “during and within 30 minutes of plaintiff’s business hours”;
    •    communicating with the plaintiff’s principals, agents, employees or customers while they are on the leased property, other than through a text or call to Muetzel; and
    •    operating lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws or other power tools within 50 feet of the leased property.

Through the suit, Sequiota Bike Shop’s owners alleged defendant Munson entered the restaurant on multiple occasions and “claimed some unknown right, title or interest in the leased premises.” Further, the suit alleges Munson acted in a “belligerent manner,” disturbing customers and cursing at employees.

Reached via email, Muetzel said he was unable to comment because of continued litigation.

“Needless to say, this is not what we wanted but felt it was necessary for the safety of our employees,” he said.