Storm clouds gathered over the Dream Castle Cafe and Bakery last week when it was suddenly closed and the employees dismissed.
Reported by Katy Penland
Popular Dream Castle Cafe of Frazier Park closed its doors Friday, Sept. 11. The sign posted on the door says, “Due to circumstances beyond my control, the cafe is now closed indefinitely. I sincerely apologize to the community for any inconvenience this may cause as many of you feel this is home,” signed “Carolyn.”
That same day, employees were told not to return to work until further notice, according to Ann Driscoll, one of those laid off. New owner Carolyn Perry bought the business from founders Lorraine and Glenn Calloway. She took over the operation on August 16.
Perry said, “Unfortunately, as much as I would…like my side to be heard, you need to talk to my attorney.” Perry’s attorney, Robert Drescher of Valencia, said, “The matter may or may not end up in litigation. It appears that Glen Calloway, the former owner of the Dream Castle, sold it to my client and made material misrepresentations in the contract…. For example, there were statements in the purchase agreements that there were no third party liens and no debts owed to anybody, when in fact he owes money to Mary Lies [who sold the property to the Calloways], and he’s behind in payments to her so there’s a fear of foreclosure.”
Drescher also represents Lies in “a potential foreclosure situation” concerning the property.
The attorney said he understands that Lorraine and Glenn Calloway intend “to reopen the property.”
The couple, who had embarked on a road trip, were contacted in Texas.
“There’s been a lot of nasty rumors…and they’re all false. We didn’t ‘take all the money and run to Europe,’” Glenn Calloway said. “Please ignore the current rumors…. We should be back within a couple of days. We’re driving back. We were visiting Lorraine’s daughter in Texas…and had to cancel our vacation to head on back when we were served.”
There is a ticking clock, according to attorney Drescher. Due to current zoning regulations, he said, if the business is closed longer than 30 days, “they lose their permit to operate the cafe,” he told The Mountain Enterprise.
Doubtlessly, there is still more to report on this story, and we will provide updates as they are available.
This is part of the September 11, 2009 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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