Two Cottonwood Shores restaurants close under state comptroller investigations
On the Rocks in Cottonwood Shores was one of two restaurants in the city that closed recently after the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, which handles sales tax collections, launched an investigation into their operations.
UPDATE: On Feb. 14 at 4 p.m., officials at On the Rocks said the eatery was permitted by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office to re-open after updating their fire suppression system.
STAFF WRITER CONNIE SWINNEY
COTTONWOOD SHORES — Two restaurants recently closed their doors after the Texas State Comptroller’s Office began investigations into the businesses’ operations connected to sales tax collections, officials said. One of the eateries also faces citations for alleged state fire safety violations.
On Feb. 13, the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office closed On the Rocks restaurant and bar, 4401 Cottonwood Drive, after several alleged fire code violations were discovered.
In that incident, the state fire marshal was following up on an initial investigation by the state’s tax collection and regulatory agency.
“They (On the Rocks) are under investigation by the comptroller’s office,” Burnet County Precinct 4 Constable Missy Bindseil said. “While there, I discovered several potential safety hazards.”
On Feb. 8, the constable accompanied state officials conducting the tax investigation, which also led to a “cash seizure” of an undisclosed amount of money.
The incident comes on the heels of another recent closure, that of burger restaurant Huey-O’s, located at 510 Castlerock Ave.
Officials said the business is also under investigation by the comptroller’s office.
There is no word yet on a potential reopening date for either restaurant.
However, On the Rocks might have an opportunity to correct state fire code issues, apply for a re-inspection, and possibly reopen, officials said.