A brewpub in Sandy Springs has filed a lawsuit against its landlord in a fight that involves the redevelopment of the Prado entertainment complex on Roswell Road.

Five Seasons Brewing Co. contends that Sembler Co. is trying to force it to close so Sembler won't have to buy out the brewpub's lease. Five Seasons is one of the few tenants of the old Prado complex that remains open for business.

"Sembler is trying to take by might what they can't take by right," said Joseph Wargo, an Atlanta lawyer representing Five Seasons.

Nick Gold, a Sembler spokesman, said the company does not comment on pending litigation.

Sembler is redeveloping the Prado, which opened about 30 years ago. It recently fell into decay after a successful run as a hot spot for the young-and-fun crowd.

Most of the Prado's original buildings were demolished last year, along with an adjacent apartment complex. The new Prado is to start opening this autumn with tenants that are to include Target, Circuit City, Staples and Home Depot.

But Sembler did not buy out Five Seasons' lease. Wargo said Sembler offered a deal that included free rent for a year and $260,000 as compensation for income the restaurant lost during the construction period. Sembler withdrew that offer, he said. "They're trying to kill us because we're worth more to them dead than alive."

The restaurant is paying about $17 a square foot for its 9,800 square feet of space, Wargo said. Other shops in the new Prado are being leased at about $35 a foot, Wargo estimated.

One regular, Alan Mayne, said his weekly visits to the Five Seasons have been made more difficult by the construction. "It's a pain, but I like the food and will come even though it's hard to get here," he said.