Files v. Schaible

This is a dispute over the enforceability of a noncompetition clause in a contract entered into between Ellis M. Files and Avery Bird Schaible.

Briefly, the facts are as follows:

Appellant Files operated the Ellis Red Barn Restaurant in Demopolis, Alabama, until a fire caused significant damage to the building in which the restaurant was housed. Files decided not to reopen the restaurant and spoke with Jim Bird, the owner of the building in which it was located, regarding the possibility of Files's selling his restaurant equipment to Bird's daughter, Avery Bird Schaible, and teaching her the…