Sequiota Bike Shop is closing in midst of legal battle with late landlord's sons

Sequiota Bike Shop announced on social media it is closing its doors before Monday.

The restaurant, located at 3521 S. Lone Pine Ave., said in a Thursday Facebook post that it has "incredibly devastating" news.

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

Though the Galloway neighborhood establishment did not say why it was closing, court documents shed light on an ongoing legal dispute involving the sons of the property's late landlord.

In June, documents show, Sequiota Bike Shop sued Roger Munson, the son of the restaurant's former landlord, Darlene Bannigan, who died in September 2016. Sequiota Bike Shop had requested an injunction against him.

It appears that tension escalated over a disagreement involving the property's boundaries and lease agreement.

The business alleged that Munson had repeatedly acted in a "belligerent manner" towards its employees since the death of his mother. Police had been called on him multiple times because he would not leave the property. The suit also alleged that Munson interfered with the business by barring employees access to a trash enclosure, by operating loud power tools nearby without a shirt and by "stalking the north boundary of the leased premises while shouting and glaring at ... customers."

Munson, who is joined by his brother Scott Bannigan in the suit, alleged that Sequiota Bike Shop violated the lease by doing building and landscaping renovations without permission and denying them use of parking spaces, among other things.

Last Friday, a judge found that Munson has "repeatedly disturbed the quiet enjoyment and peace" of Sequiota Bike Shop's employees and customers. Documents show the judge ordered Munson to stay away from Sequiota Bike Shop during business hours. He is also not allowed to operate "lawnmowers, weed eaters, chain saws, or other power tools" within 50 feet of the restaurant's property during certain times of day.

Requests for comment left with business owners Tom Muetzel and Anne Baker and attorneys for both sides of the legal dispute were not returned.

Sequiota Bike Shop said on Facebook the resturant will have a final celebration over the weekend.

"Since it’s going to be a beautiful weekend, and we want to invite everyone out to enjoy your favorite sandwiches and bourbon slush one more time," the post said. "Bring the kids, pups, and lawn chairs while we have one final Spring Fling. All weekend, we will be slinging drinks and sandwiches, so please come out and show us just how incredibly difficult this decision will be."

The restaurant thanked its customers for their support over the three years it has been in operation.

"Once again, we thank you all so much for the last three years and we really hope to see as many people as we can over the next four days," the post said.