ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Multiple brides are still seeking refunds after a St. Augustine restaurant abruptly closed its doors, leaving them without a rehearsal dinner venue and thousands of dollars in deposits unaccounted for.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into complaints against Chez L’Amour restaurant and its owner, Jeanetta Cebollero, after multiple couples reported losing deposits ranging from $2,500 to $3,000.
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“Me, as well as all the other brides, we haven’t heard a peep from Jeanetta,” said one bride who requested anonymity. She is part of a group of at least seven affected couples who have been communicating about their experiences.
According to a letter obtained by News4JAX from the St. Augustine Law Group, which represents Cebollero, the restaurant failed multiple critical building inspections. The letter states the owner is working to provide “a full and timely refund of all deposits.”
Read the full letter below:
However, affected couples report no progress on refunds. “Someone was supposed to get an installment payment on Oct. 17th, but hasn’t gotten anything,” one bride told News4JAX.
This isn’t the first time Cebollero has faced controversy over event management. News4JAX has uncovered that she previously organized the As-if 90s fest, which was postponed three times and the Palatka Blue Crab Festival.
Both events reportedly ended with vendors complaining about unpaid refunds.
Some affected couples are still searching for alternative venues for their upcoming weddings.
“Some of them still haven’t found their venues yet,” said one bride. “A lot of them, they just want to make sure no one else becomes a victim like this again.”
The restaurant’s website is no longer operational, and Visit St. Augustine’s website lists the establishment as permanently closed.
News4JAX has reached out to the St. Augustine Law Group for an update on the situation and is awaiting a response.