No good deed goes unpunished
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No good deed goes unpunished
Michael Klein, Philly.com
When we last left the Gilmore's situation:
The West Chester BYOB, which closed abruptly in July, was selling its building. Owner Peter Gilmore was not refunding the gift certificates he had sold. John Brandt-Lee from Avalon restaurant in West Chester stepped in, offering to accept the Gilmore's gifties at 50 percent of face value until Dec. 1.
Brandt-Lee, who has no connection to Gilmore, said he felt it was the right thing to do.
He had not spoken to Gilmore.
But apparently, Gilmore had heard about Brandt-Lee's largess. Gilmore sent letters to those who had asked him for refunds. The letter did not offer cash back, but it did steer the customers to Brandt-Lee. But the letter said the gift certificates would be accepted through the end of December. The letter said nothing about the 50 percent offer.
Now, says Brandt-Lee, people are upset with him. December is the busiest month of the year, and Brandt-Lee said he is in no position to honor someone else's gift certificates at 50 percent. He said had redeemed $4,800 worth of Gilmore's paper already, suggesting that at least $10,000 in gift certificates are out on the street.
Brandt-Lee now says he will apply $20 to any check to those presenting a Gilmore certificate. The offer is valid midweek only at his Avalon in West Chester and Avalon Pasta Bistro in Downingtown.
Gilmore has not returned my messages.
The spelling in this article is atrocious.— Lisa Dougherty- Way to go out with class Gilmore..........— Earl J
- Anyone who bought a gift certificate in the last 90 days before the restaurant closed should sue him in small claims court for fraud.— Palestra Jon
- John Brandt Lee is a MENSCH. Period.— esterrick
