No Bull?! Domenico's Restaurant Landmark At Lake Of The Ozarks Now In Legal Limbo

Domenico's Italian Restaurant is locked in a battle over its iconic bull statue/sign, a landmark at Lake of the Ozarks for over 20 years.

According to Jeff Jefferson, whose mother Debbie Arcobasso owns the restaurant, the city recently objected to the bull, claiming it doesn’t meet sign regulations because it's not a fixed structure.

The bull has long served as a unique advertisement for Domenico's, which has been in business for 36 years. For years, Domenico's radio ads reminded listeners, "Just look for the bull!"

However, after the sign was repainted and repositioned on the property’s side lot, city officials demanded it be removed from city limits entirely.

"My mom doesn't want to comment on anything at this time due to the fact she had to get legal counsel," Jefferson explained.

City Administrator Devin Lake and Mayor Michael Harmison were not able to be reached on Monday for comment.

The city's sign ordinance requires a permit to be obtained for all signs. Click here to read the city's sign ordinance. The "grandfather clause" in the city's ordinance states:

Any sign which was lawfully erected or affixed prior to November 18, 1999, and complied with all regulations in force at the time it was erected or affixed, but fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this Article shall be considered a legal non-conforming sign. A legal non-conforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition, but shall not be:
1. Structurally altered (except to meet safety requirements) so as to prolong the life of the sign. The type of materials used in the construction of the sign shall not be changed after the date the sign becomes non-conforming.
2. Altered so as to increase the degree or extent of the non-conformity of the sign.
3. Expanded in size or modified to include additional sign faces or lighting.
4. Relocated or moved.

The future of this well-known feature now rests in the hands of the city. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for November 18.