Historic Florida Restaurant Abruptly Closes as Workers Allege They’re Owed Weeks of Pay and Claim Co-Owner Has ‘Seemingly Vanished from Public View’

**Florida Restaurant Closure Leaves Employees Struggling with Unpaid Wages**

In a troubling development, Rose Villa Restaurant, a long-established dining venue in Ormond Beach, Florida, has abruptly ceased operations, leaving its employees facing a dire financial situation. The unexpected closure occurred on 28 August 2023, with workers alleging they have not received their salaries for several weeks, raising concerns about their ability to meet essential living costs.

Lindsey Shaver, a former server at the restaurant, shared with PEOPLE that the last paycheck staff received was on 2 August. Employees typically received bi-weekly payments, which included their credit card tips. Despite the delayed wages, Shaver noted that the staff continued to work diligently until the restaurant temporarily closed for fumigation.

“We were constantly reassured by the co-owner, Patrick Sullivan, that our pay was on its way and that we shouldn’t worry,” Shaver recalled. “The excuses kept piling up while we continued earning tips, hoping for payment.” However, the situation turned grim when employees received an email indicating they had been classified as inactive by their payroll provider. Attempts to communicate with Sullivan and his partner, Carol Ann, who manages finances, have been unsuccessful, leading Shaver to claim that the owners have “vanished.”

The abrupt closure has affected around 26 workers who are now grappling with financial uncertainty, struggling to meet their rent and healthcare expenses. In response to their plight, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to provide financial assistance to those impacted, with funds to be distributed evenly among the affected employees. “This incident happening at the end of the month has put many of us in precarious situations with rent payments, mortgages, and even new babies,” Shaver explained. “Any support from that page would be immensely helpful for the struggling families involved.”

The fundraising effort also revealed that employees had hoped to return for a reopening, with promises of payment yet to materialise. According to the GoFundMe page organiser, staff were informed that they would be compensated on 28 August, only to find themselves locked out of their payroll accounts when the date arrived. The absence of communication from the restaurant management regarding the payroll situation has left many feeling abandoned and anxious about their financial futures.

Kachina Starr, another former employee, labelled the situation as “devastating.” She highlighted the challenges faced by many workers, stating, “We have families here who have recently purchased homes and welcomed new children. The lack of communication from the owner has been particularly distressing.” The restaurant had reportedly also received numerous reservations and scheduled events, causing further confusion among those wondering about potential refunds.

Bill Jones, the property owner of the establishment, attributed the closure to an unspecified decision by the restaurant’s management, expressing his sadness over the circumstances. “I do not control the operations of the restaurant,” he noted, emphasising his deep concern for the employees affected by this sudden turn of events.

A longtime employee commented on Reddit, revealing no initial scepticism regarding the delayed wages, as they believed the restaurant was financially stable. “When we received the email on Friday morning about being unable to access the payroll system, it came as a shock,” the individual stated. They added that attempts to reach the owner had met with silence, leaving the staff in a precarious situation with thousands of pounds in owed wages.

According to the restaurant’s website, it had been a local fixture since the late 1880s, suggesting a rich history within the community. However, the recent events have cast a shadow over its legacy, revealing the vulnerabilities faced by service industry workers, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

As the situation continues to unfold, the affected employees remain hopeful for a resolution, yet their immediate focus is on finding support through community initiatives like the GoFundMe campaign. In the meantime, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the formerly beloved establishment, with many questioning whether they will see the return of Rose Villa Restaurant or any form of compensation for their unpaid work.