Restaurant owners split on Open Carry law

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Time is running out for restaurants across Texas and here in Houston to make a decision about open carry.

The new law, set to go in effect January 1, allows private businesses to bar people from visibly packing heat. To do so, they must post specific signage.

At Brooks' Place in Cypress, owner Trent Brooks told abc13 he doesn't just welcome open carry, he encourages customers to show off their guns.

Brooks even plans to offer a 25 percent discount on January 1 and 10 percent every day after for those who open carry.

"I say if you're in a place and something happens in a family oriented place that doesn't allow guns, where is your protection? By the time you call the police, it's too late," said Brooks. "We support it 100 percent. We support it because we believe in the Second Amendment. We believe in the right to protect your home, your family, and your business."

While everyone at Brooks' agreed the grub is top notch, they were split on allowing weapons to be displayed in the open.

"I really don't agree with open carry myself," said customer Ricky Ashton. "There are so many different things going on in the world now."

"The restaurants I think are going to make their move off their clientele," said customer Natalie Hughes. "I think the customers are going to dictate whether they're going to allow that or not."

Across town inside Signarama Galleria, manager Gabriel Cavazos told Eyewitness News demand is up for signs about open carry.

Cavazos said they've been working to fill orders.

"That's really the biggest thing - the height of the letter and that it's in Spanish and English," said Cavazos. "They can be anywhere from $40 to $100 per graphic."

We reached out to several restaurants. Many didn't want to comment publicly on the matter and said they are still making a decision.

Whataburger opted against open carry back in July.

Landry's told abc13 the chain is still evaluating whether or not they will allow customers to open carry.