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Stella's on 16th in Denver closes without notice, paychecks to workers

Posted at 8:19 PM, Aug 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-08 22:19:58-04

DENVER -- Several employees of a Denver restaurant say they were blindsided and left without a paycheck after its sudden closure.

Stella's on 16th shut down Friday. The restaurant opened its doors earlier this year, but now signs are posted on the doors that read: "Closed for maintenance, warranty and repairs for the weekend.” 

The restaurant is in one of Denver's hottest neighborhoods located on the corner of Wewatta and 16th streets. The foot traffic makes it great for any restaurant in this location.

Denver7 spoke with some employees who have been with the company since the beginning. 

"He told his employees we were only closed for the weekend," said Samantha Hitchcock. 

Hitchcock worked at the place as a bartender. She said she and other workers were given no notice and that the doors were shut on payday. 

"I have one coworker who has been evicted from her apartment and has to be out by the 17th," Hitchcock said. "I, myself was $300 short on my own rent."

Denver7 called the owner, Brian Cohen, and even went to his house. Cohen and his attorney has not responded to our messages.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said employees should file a complaint with the agency. To file a complaint: click here