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Kansas City restaurant files COVID-19 lawsuit against city, seeks reprieve on restrictions

By Madison Parry

A second restaurant in Kansas City, Mo. has filed a lawsuit against the city over COVID-19 restrictions. O’Dowd’s located on the County Club Plaza is the most recent to take action against local business restrictions by seeking to have them thrown out, the lawsuit citing financial strain and unfair treatment.

O’Dowd’s Gastrobar is the second metro restaurant to express its frustration with Kansas City COVID-19 restrictions via legal means, filing a lawsuit against the city.

The most recent lawsuit from O’Dowd’s follows a similar one filed in December by The Blue Line.

Similar to The Blue Line’s lawsuit, O’Dowd’s is seeking to have the restrictions thrown out, arguing that they are arbitrary and not based on science.

The lawsuit argues that small bars and restaurants are unable to pay their bills and the city has offered no financial help.

In addition, the lawsuit also argues that restrictions on local businesses have been enforced unevenly, creating unfair treatment.

Representing O’Dowd’s is attorney Michael Gunter, who provided examples of uneven rule enforcement such as area casinos being allowed to stay open later.

According to court documents, O’Dowd’s was forced to close until spring due to the restrictions causing a loss of income and the inability to open up for outdoor dining during the winter months.

A hearing for the case has not yet been scheduled in Jackson County civil court.