Landlord Locked Out San Antonio Bar Owners
The owner of the building at 102 Ninth St. has paused operations after a lockout over alleged rent delinquency.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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CDC Enterprises LP locked business owners Martin and Julisa Phipps out of their 30,000-square-foot building in San Antonio on Friday morning. The move forces a pause in operations for the bar located at the property.
Why it matters
The lockout underscores the significant operational and financial risks landlords may impose during ongoing disputes over lease payments and property control. This action follows a previous legal judgment requiring the business owners to pay $1.2 million in damages and fees.
The property at 102 Ninth St. spans 30,000 square feet and has now been the site of 3 separate lockouts in the past two years. The business owners also face a prior jury-ordered liability for $1.2 million in damages and fees.
The players
Martin Phipps
The property developer who constructed the 30,000-square-foot building in 2014.
CDC Enterprises LP
The commercial landlord managing the property at 102 Ninth St.
The details
The landlord, CDC Enterprises LP, gained control of the premises by changing the building locks and posting notices of rent delinquency. This action effectively halts business operations at the facility while the parties await a court resolution. A jury trial focused on the ongoing eviction action is currently scheduled to determine the future of the tenancy.
Timeline
Martin Phipps built the building in 2014.
CDC locked out the tenants in June 2024 following an eviction case.
The landlord locked out the tenants for unpaid rent in March 2026.
Owners were locked out of the property on September 18, 2026.
A jury trial for an eviction action is set for October 9, 2026.
Market Landscape
This lockout follows the pattern of legal escalation established by the prior 2024 eviction case between the two parties. It highlights the continued volatility in high-stakes commercial tenancies where property control is contested.
Operators should ensure rent payment records are meticulously maintained to avoid the risk of sudden facility lockouts by landlords. Reviewing the specific terms in your lease regarding the notice period for delinquency is a critical step for risk mitigation.
The takeaway
Commercial tenants should monitor their lease agreements for clauses regarding landlord-initiated re-entry during payment disputes. Consulting with legal counsel to understand your rights regarding lockout procedures is recommended if you anticipate payment delays.
What happens next
A jury trial regarding the eviction action is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the local commercial climate, visit San Antonio Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
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