Sammy's, a Cleveland dining and catering tradition that dates back decades, will cease to exist from here on out.
This morning, employees were called into a meeting and told that Sammy's and all of its venues is closing.
“They met us this morning and we are all out of a job," says Sammy's executive chef Taty Agustina, literally in tears. Everybody from servers and chefs to managers and human resources have been let go, she adds. "It's a shock for me personally. We were still all working a party last night. I’m worried about my cooks and my staff. They really need a job.”
With facilities at Severance Hall, PlayhouseSquare, the Flats and numerous catering venues, the decision effects hundreds of full time employees and many more part-timers.
"We all feel very betrayed and manipulated," adds Krystal Kovacik, assistant GM at Sammy's PlayhouseSquare.
Asked to comment, Sammy's ownership said they would return our call but have yet to do so. This statement was added to the website today:
"On August 5, 2013, City Life Inc. d/b/a Sammy's announced it has made the decision to close its facilities. We are currently in negotiations with a local caterer to transition our existing clients."