Maitland is down with another restaurant – and 25 employees suddenly out of a job – as the holiday season kicks into high gear.
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Employees of Jaspers Bar and Grill, which until recently was called Teak Neighborhood Grill, said they found out they were out of work through an email sent to them by their general manager Monday night.
The email came a day after employees were told the restaurant would be closed on Monday, and Monday only, because it was the slowest night of the week.
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“We were all confused and angry,” server Chelsea Proenza said. “I am a mother of four children. This is our life. I have to work.”
It was a rollercoaster season for Proenza and his teammates. Last week, Maitland celebrated the sale and renaming of the restaurant by its new owners, who promised to transform the place.
Teak sales were declining, the workers said and recalled optimistically about the changes, which included breakfast on weekends.
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Most importantly, workers said they were told their jobs were safe.
“I kind of jumped on board, and I was trying to push other people to believe in it,” said Hayle Silva.
WFTV reached out to the Sumter County-based owners through some of their restaurants but did not receive a response. The email sent to employees stated that the owners have lost faith in the business and no longer see it as viable.
The staff also said there were Christmas parties planned that had to be cancelled.
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“They just gave up hope and went back to The Villages,” said Stacey Rodriguez. “I don’t think anyone would be disappointed to lose their job two weeks before Christmas, especially if you have young children.”
Rodriguez said he worked odd jobs to make it through the holidays.
All three said they appreciate the community’s support, and said they hope to receive their final paychecks before the end of the week.
“Just be careful who you work for,” Rodriguez said. “Not everyone is going to care if they put you in a situation where you’re struggling.”
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