Greece, N.Y. - Planning a wedding can be stressful. Everything has to be done months in advance.
Booking a venue for the reception is usually first on the list.
It was for Tiffany Abbey. The 39-year-old knew she wanted to get married on the water. More than a year ago, she put a deposit down at Crescent Beach and thought she was all set.
Her wedding was to be on June 16th under the gazebo on the lake. The reception would be held under a big tent outside the restaurant.
When she called Crescent Beach in January to discuss the menu, no one answered the phone. Her messages and emails went unanswered.
She then learned the restaurant was closed and called us for help to find out what she could do to get her deposit back.
We reached owner Jeff Barry by email. He said road construction along Edgemere Drive and money issues forced the restaurant to close for the winter.
He assured us it would re-open sometime in May. When asked why brides-to-be weren't contacted, he said they didn't have time to call them.
Tiffany says that's unacceptable. She scrambled to find a new venue and planned to send Crescent Beach a certified letter canceling her wedding. She also wants her deposit back.
Other brides-to have also contacted us. One had her wedding reception scheduled for May 29th. She also hasn't been able to reach anyone and says she can't risk planning her wedding at a place when there's no guarantee it will re-open.
Owner Jeff Barry has responded to our emails again re-assuring us he plans to re-open.
That doesn't help people who have planned the most important day of their lives. They need to hear from the owners. That is good business.
It's no secret that Crescent Beach has money problems. County and state records detail thousands owed in taxes and other outstanding bills.
Vendors have also contacted us saying they are owed thousands of dollars.
It's sad that a business that is somewhat of an "institution" here, is struggling financially. But is it fair to leave so many people hanging?
If you really intend to re-open, contact people who have made commitments and paid deposits. Contact vendors to let them know you are trying to work things out and pay your debts.
Businesses cannot survive without customers and vendors to supply the food.
No one wants to see a good restaurant go under, but they also don't want to be strung along as some of these brides to-be feel they have been.
Maybe isn't good enough for anyone that has planned this special day for months or even years.
That's stress they just don't need.
