Campisi's Get Sued

Elderly man sues Campisi's over violent attack in Dallas parking lot

Luis Rocha was brutally attacked after leaving Campisi's on Mockingbird Lane.

Campisi's/Facebook

A 70-year-old man who was beaten within an inch of his life outside Campisi's on Mockingbird Lane in January is now suing the restaurant and two other entities for negligence.

Luis Rocha has filed suit against Campisi's, Radio Shack and Corinth Properties for what he alleges is their role in the attack. He is seeking unspecified damages.

Luis Rocha's many injuries include 10 broken ribs and the need for open heart surgery. The suit says medical bills have left his family in financial ruin.

According to a police report, three white males attacked Rocha in the 5600 block of East Mockingbird Lane around 9 pm on January 5. Robbery was originally believed to be the motive, but the thugs did not take any property in the assault.

No arrests have been made in the case, and police believe the attack could be related to the so-called "knockout game," a disturbing trend where "thrill-seeking" assailants frequently use race or age as motivating factor in selecting their victims.

In the November 6 lawsuit, Rocha recounts his horrifying ordeal. It begins with the fact that he had to park in a dimly lit Radio Shack lot because all of the handicapped spots in front of Campisi's were occupied. When Rocha returned to his vehicle with pizza in hand, he was beaten, kicked and punched by unknown men.

"Unfortunately, due to the fact that the parking lots were devoid of adequate security or lighting, the attack was not seen by Rocha, any passersby, Campisi's patrons or Campisi's employees," the filing reads. "In effect, Rocha was left for dead in the dark of night while lying sprawled across the pavement fighting for his life."

The suit details Rocha's many injuries, including at least 10 broken ribs that led to fluid and blood filling his heart cavity and necessitating open heart surgery. He would later need five titanium plates inserted into his eye, which had to be sewn shut. The suit says Rocha is still in immense pain and his medical bills have left his family in financial ruin.

"Had Campisi's, RadioShack, or Corinth Properties, all of whom were possessors of the premises at the time of the incident, installed adequate warnings, adequate signage, adequate lighting, and/or had adequate security in place to protect invitees, Rocha would not have been injured," the filing reads.

According to online court documents, Radio Shack, Campisi's and Corinth Properties have not yet been served with papers in the case. Requests for comment on the suit were not immediately returned.

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Closing News

Longtime Dallas restaurant Sevy's Grill to close after nearly 30 years

Photo courtesy of Sevy's Grill

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A longtime Dallas restaurant is closing in 2026: Sevy's Grill, which has been open at 8201 Preston Rd. near Preston Center for nearly 30 years, will close on June 27, 2026.

According to a release from the owners, they're closing due to what appears to be an increase in rent.

"After months of negotiations, we were not able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement for our fourth 10-year lease," the post said.

The restaurant is located in Preston Sherry Plaza, which was acquired in September 2025 by Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate. Somebody gotta foot the bill.

Sevy's says they are looking at other locations.

"Our focus now is to finish these next 6+ months taking care of our guests and staff at the same caring level we built our brand on: Warm, professional service, consistently good food and a comfortable ambiance where the guest is always first," the post says. "First on our list of priorities is taking care of our guests in December and all the wonderful celebrations of family, friends and business groups. We do still have some availability for reservations, including our last New Years Eve at Preston Sherry. Come celebrate with us as the exciting anticipation of a new year for all of us."

"Our second priority will be the search for a new location to continue doing what we love," they said. "We are already reviewing possible sites and will keep everyone updated regularly."

Owned by chef Jim "Sevy" Severson and his wife Amy Severson, the restaurant has long been a neighborhood favorite with a lively bar scene, and was nominated in CultureMap's 2018 Tastemaker Awards for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. They were a frequent choice for winemaker events and are also known for the longevity of their staff.

"Eight team members have been with us all 29+ years, with an average tenure in the kitchen of 15+ years and a Management team that you all know," their post said. "Come support our staff as we celebrate the next 6+ months.Thank you again for your support through all the normal challenges of running a restaurant as well as economic downturns, market bubbles, Y2K, and of course the COVID era. As I tell my family and friends to “enjoy the ride in life”, wow, what an amazing ride it has been for us! And as always, Sevy’s Grill is here for you."