A few lights shone dimly through the windows of Calico Jack’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House, but they were the only signs of life in the otherwise deserted bar Monday afternoon.
Landlord Tom Mowry of Equilease of Gainesville Inc. evicted the restaurant and sports bar’s owners last week for not paying their rent.
The owners of Calico Jack’s could not be reached for comment Monday.
Mowry, who notified them through the court system, said although he had not talked to the owners, the eviction was not a surprise to them.
In April 2011, the restaurant failed a routine state health inspection. Violations included cockroaches and flies in the kitchen, slime in an ice machine and grease buildup on cooking surfaces.
The restaurant closed for a day and was allowed to reopen.
Owner Vinod Bajaj said at the time that business had not been affected by the failed inspection.
He also said he had taken over the restaurant some time within the previous 10 years.
Mowry said three or four parties have expressed interest in the restaurant location at 3501 SW Second Ave.
“We will have it open in some form by football season in August,” he said. “I’m sure it will cater to students and be appropriate for families as well.”
Calico Jack's has been closed since May 7 when the restaurant's owners were evicted for not paying rent.
