Cart-Driver blames local contractors for sewage deluge, long closure
The Unfortunate Incident at Cart-Driver’s LoHi Location
Cart-Driver, the popular pizza and seafood joint, faced a major setback in 2023 when a 5,000-gallon torrent of sewer water flooded its LoHi location. The restaurant attributed this disaster to the negligence of remodelers, leading to a costly 13-month closure.
Legal Action Against Blue Sky Construction and Southpaw Plumbing
In response to the incident, Cart-Driver filed a lawsuit against Blue Sky Construction and Southpaw Plumbing for negligence in Denver District Court. Both companies were involved in the remodeling of Cart-Driver’s LoHi space, with Blue Sky as the general contractor and Southpaw handling the plumbing work.
Building Ownership and Discovery of Sewage Leakage
The building at 2239 W. 30th Ave, where Cart-Driver’s LoHi location is situated, is owned by Mainline West. An executive from Mainline West first detected the smell of sewage in October 2023, almost four years after Cart-Driver initially opened its doors.
Consequences of the Sewer Water Leakage
The sewer water leakage caused a three-week closure of Cart-Driver in late 2023. Despite a reopening in December 2023, a subsequent leak was discovered in the same crawlspace, leading to further repairs and closure of the restaurant.
Legal Actions and Extended Closure
Cart-Driver informed Blue Sky and Southpaw of the construction defects in March 2024. When these firms did not take responsibility for the repairs, Cart-Driver proceeded to file a lawsuit. The closure lasted for 13 months, with the restaurant finally reopening in January 2025 after switching to catering temporarily.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Insurance Issues
Cart-Driver is currently involved in multiple lawsuits related to the water damage incident. In addition to the lawsuit against Blue Sky and Southpaw, the restaurant is also in a legal dispute with Society Insurance for not covering the repair costs. Society Insurance claims that the flooding was not covered under Cart-Driver’s 2023 insurance policy.
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