That One Place’s ex-owner still fighting COVID fines

The former owner of That One Place is not giving up on his fight against the state over $132,000 in fines imposed for the restaurant reportedly serving customers indoors when it was barred by COVID-19 restrictions.

Craig Kenady has already lost two appeals over the fines with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Last month he filed another appeal — this one over the latest BIIA decision, and is in Kitsap County Superior Court, according to state department of Labor and Industries spokesman Matt Ross.

Following his legal troubles, Kenady sold the restaurant in October.

Between Jan. 6-18, 2021, That One Place was cited 11 times for conducting dine-in service in violation of health regulations and Gov. Jay Inslee’s mandate, according to an administrative judge. The citations — which each carried a $12,000 fine — were deemed by the court as “willful violations.”

The case in Superior Court — “R & E Kenady Restaurants, Inc. dba That One Place, Petitioner, v. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Respondent.” — was filed Oct. 12, Ross said.

The latest appeal will be conducted before a judge and will based on the record created at the BIIA. No additional evidence, such as testimony from witnesses, will be taken, Ross noted.

No court dates regarding the Superior Court appeal have been announced, Ross added.