http://www.wsbtv.com/news/28324848/detail.htmlATLANTA -- Anthony’s, a legendary Atlanta spot for wedding receptions, has closed.
Now dozens of couples say they’re not only out thousands of dollars in deposits, but have no place for their reception.
Channel 2’s Diana Davis talked to one bride and the new owner of what used to be Anthony’s restaurant.
Valiree Eaton booked her reception last fall. She said when she called to finalize plans for her July 3 wedding, a recording said Anthony’s was out of business. “I’m a bit of a wreck. I’m extremely stressed. Weddings are stressful enough without this,” said Eaton. “I feel like my wedding day has been marred,” she added.
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Eaton and other brides say Anthony’s former owner, Asif Edrish, has vanished. Eaton is doubtful she’ll ever get her $2,700 deposit back.
“I’m angry over the loss of the venue, but I’m sad that it has been handled in such a manner,” said Eaton.
Dozens of brides in similar situations are posting on the Web.
Davis talked to the stepfather of one of those brides.
She was supposed to be married at Anthony’s on Saturday. Due to a cancellation at another venue, she was able to move her reception at the last minute. Like other brides, she lost her deposit and is devastated, according to her stepfather John McCutcheon. “I just cannot imagine treating a customer this way. It’s very unprofessional. It feels incredibly unethical," he said.
The new owner of what will be called the yacht and polo club would not talk to Davis on camera. On the phone and on a blog, he said, “All past contracts with Anthony’s are invalid. Any deposits must be disputed with the former owner.”
He said the club will enter into new contracts on a case-by-case basis.
He said he has tried to work with some brides, offering new receptions for an additional fee.
The new venue is not officially opened and does not yet have a liquor license.
Some of the brides say they will take the former owner of Anthony’s to small claims court to recover their lost deposits. The new owner, Alex Suarez, told Davis that he believes the former owner is bankrupt.