Owner: Mesa wedding business unexpectedly evicted
Aug 22, 2013, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am
PHOENIX — After a Chandler wedding venue unexpectedly closed this year, another nightmare could affect Valley brides-to-be.
Jim Butler, the owner of Arizona’s Bridal and Formal in Mesa, said he was evicted on Monday after the owner of their location at 2450 W. Broadway Rod. in Mesa had the locks changed.
Part of the notice taped to the front door of the business reads, “the property owner has terminated said lease and has re-entered and taken possession of these premises. By taking possession of these premises, the property owner is also exercising its landlord’s lien on all non-exempt property owned by tenant.”
Colliers International, the property management company who left the notice, refused to comment on what brides need to do to gain access to the merchandise they paid for, but can’t access.
“I don’t know what to tell you,” said Butler. I don’t know what the best solution is right now.”
The business has been in financial trouble during the recession and began falling behind on rent. However, Butler said he’d been making substantial payments and was approximately only two weeks behind on what he owed, which makes things more shocking for his family.
“Pretty upset, I’m frustrated. It’s my livelihood,” said Butler. “I don’t know if they are trying to get us out because they have other plans for the center, but the way they’ve been going about it has been frustrating and disappointing.”
Butler said he wants to hear from brides who’ve been affected. He can be reached at info@arizonabridal.com. He also urged affected consumers to contact Pamela Zachgo of Colliers International at (480) 303-8608.
