Keller council approves special-use permit for indoor children's play venue next to fine-dining restaurant, 6-1

Council voted 6‑1 to approve a special‑use permit for Stay Social to operate an indoor children's entertainment venue at 8849 Davis Boulevard after the applicant presented noise and operational studies and pledged operational limits.

The applicant presented a sound study performed at its Flower Mound location, saying "the decibel reading average was at 72, and it would peak at 85," and that a demising wall and other measures should limit sound transfer. Property manager Jackie Black told council the center has ample shared parking and estimated that typical parties generate 12–15 cars, and that shared parking across the development has worked for existing tenants.

Aquario, the neighboring restaurant, objected to the use, saying the comparison of silent suites to a busy restaurant was "irrelevant and misleading" and raising concerns about an expanded patio, alcohol service, and the potential for customer and parking conflicts on busy nights. Aquario asked council to consider reduced overlapping hours or other mitigation measures.

Council members debated compatibility with the existing restaurant, timing and number of overlapping hours, occupant caps and party policies, and whether the SUP provides appropriate discretion for future conflicts. The applicant told council it would cap total occupants at 50 and limit the number of children on the play floor; staff and council discussed monitoring and enforcement options.

Councilman Durley praised the applicant's data-driven presentation and said the proposed hours and occupancy limits reduced his concerns. Mayor pro tem and several other members noted the applicant's outreach and changes since the first hearing. One council member said he still preferred a different tenant type but was voting in the minority.

The SUP passed 6‑1. Council instructed staff and the applicant to continue communication with neighboring businesses and to bring back any needed operational clarifications if conflicts arise.