Steer N' Stein Owners Sue Iowa State Fair Over Alleged Retaliation and Defamation
The owners of Steer N' Stein have filed a lawsuit against the Iowa State Fair, claiming the fair carried out a retaliatory campaign that ultimately forced their business to close.
According to the complaint, the fair ended Steer N' Stein’s lease earlier this year, citing unpaid fees totaling $102,000. Owner Mike Krantz disputes this, saying the family believed the balance was settled until they later received notice from the fair claiming they still owed $90,000.
“We were never informed why we owed the money,” said Krantz.
The suit accuses the Iowa State Fair of defamation for allegedly misrepresenting the disputed amount and improperly auctioning off the property. The plaintiffs also argue the fair engaged in unfair business practices that hurt their reputation and finances.
Krantz’s attorneys estimate that financial, reputational, and constitutional damages could exceed $90 million.
The Iowa State Fair has declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Author’s Summary
The Steer N' Stein owners allege the Iowa State Fair’s actions unjustly shut down their business, and they are seeking damages surpassing $90 million for retaliation and defamation.