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WKEF-TV ABC 22 News :: News - Top Stories - Sidebar Closes Following Protest, Eviction Notice
Tuesday, July 31 2012, 09:14 PM EDT
Sidebar Closes Following Protest, Eviction Notice
DAYTON -- A popular restaurant in the Oregon District shuts its doors  leaving many employees with questions.

Dawn Tarjeft showed up to work on Monday at Sidebar restaurant. She wasn't expecting to turn right back home.

"I tried the cafe entrance, where I usually come to clock in and out, it was locked," said Tarjeft.

A sign on the door says Sidebar is now closed and that it has been a pleasure to serve and celebrate with you.
   
Former employees though have a different tune.

"I've had checks bounce from months and months ago, honestly, I've even had a check that has bounced twice," said Tarjeft.

On Saturday, protestors gathered outside the restaurant claiming they haven't been paid by the owner, Brian Higgins.

Higgins told us then that he did not owe those employees any money and his business would go on as usual, but two days later his doors were closed. We've learned the landlord gave Higgins an eviction notice late last week.

A half dozen people were loading up a moving truck on Tuesday afternoon.

We tried to talk with Higgins, but he was unavailable.
   
The Montgomery County website shows 26 liens against Higgins from the state and other entities. According to the attorney general,  Higgins owes more than $40,000 in sales tax and more than $50,000 in unemployment compensation.

Higgins has two hearings before the liquor commission for allegedly failing to pay taxes here in Dayton and at another Sidebar in Columbus. The Columbus location's landlord has an eviction lawsuit filed  against Higgins.

However, the landlord's attorney tells us they are working out payments.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership monitors properties and businesses in the Oregon District, they would not comment on what's next for the property.
The Downtown Dayton Partnership has confirmed that the Sidebar restaurant has been closed.


July 28 coverage:

DAYTON -- Former employees of a downtown restaurant claim
they haven't been paid by their previous employer. Protestors gathered
outside the Sidebar restaurant Saturday
afternoon for a peaceful demonstration asking to be paid. Owners say a
handful of former employees haven't been paid pending an investigation.

Crystal Sizemore says she just quit her job at Sidebar this past week because she has been trying to deposit a check from July 9th.

"I can't cash it, I can't deposit it, because the funds aren't there," said Sizemore.

She's not the only one demanding to be paid. Nearly a dozen former Sidebar employees stood outside of their old job.

"Even when I worked here, that was a consistent, your pay check would bounce," said Michael Perkins.

Owner Brian Higgins says a few employees were fired on Tuesday and those are the people who haven't been paid.

"There's
a handful of employees who have not been paid pending an investigation
from a night of partying. Eight to 10 people decided to come into Sidebar and
pretty much had their way with the bar and partied for about three to four
hours. Those employees haven't received checks," said Higgins.

But, some of those former employees say they are waiting for checks from months ago.

"Every time I come in, it is always tomorrow, tomorrow and it's been per a month now," said Aaron Bollard.

Bollard says the restaurant owes him $700.00.

"I'm told that I won't get it until tomorrow and then every day it's tomorrow," said Bollard.

Higgins says business is going on as usual despite former employees and their friends gathering outside.

"Sidebar has been extremely blessed by being in a city like Dayton and we appreciate their support," said Higgins.

Higgins
says those who aren't apart of the investigation and haven't been paid
by the restaurant should get their checks in the mail by Monday. Sidebar Closes Following Protest, Eviction Notice

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