Employees at a popular restaurant chain were told just hours before their shifts that they no longer had jobs.
Walk On's Sports Bistreaux in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, suddenly shut down on Wednesday, effective immediately.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux Shuts Down Suddenly
Employees at a popular restaurant chain were informed just hours before their shift that they were out of work.
A Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, abruptly closed on Wednesday without prior notice.
The news was announced to customers through letters posted on the restaurant's doors. "We are writing to you with a heavy heart to announce that Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux at 61 Rodeo Drive has closed its doors for the last time," the letter read.
The note expressed regret over the decision: "This decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support over the years."
"Thank you for being part of our journey. We are forever grateful for the friendships and memories we have made together," the letter added.
However, the letters did not disclose a reason for the sudden shutdown. It is estimated that around 50 employees have lost their jobs as a result.
Employees expressed their concern and fear following the closure. Many were only told about the shutdown hours before their scheduled shifts. Some workers reported that corporate representatives had visited the site just days prior and had reassured them that there were no plans to close the restaurant.
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Employees Shocked by Sudden Restaurant Closure
Employees at Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux were left stunned and worried after the sudden closure of the Myrtle Beach location.
When interviewed by local NBC affiliate WMBF, one employee shared their fears: "I'm scared because I don't know what's going to happen next. I don't know when I'll find another job or how I'm going to pay my rent, so that's a big concern."
The same employee also mentioned financial difficulties caused by the closure: "Especially with my paycheck being late, and now the closing, it's really messing up a lot of people's finances."
Another employee felt completely caught off guard by the closure. "I felt very blindsided, especially since corporate had just visited and assured us that we wouldn't be shut down," they said.
The stress has taken a severe toll on the staff. "There have been a lot of sleepless nights," another employee added. "My teammates and I, along with many others, have been too stressed to sleep or eat. We're all very anxious about our futures now that the restaurant is closed."
On Thursday, a reporter from the news outlet observed a U-Haul truck at the restaurant, loading up items, which confirmed the business was indeed closing down.
A spokesperson for the restaurant chain responded to inquiries by stating that all employees are encouraged to apply for positions at other locations within the chain.
WMBF News has verified that the Surfside Beach branch of Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux will stay open despite closures elsewhere.
Efforts to contact the owner for comment have been unsuccessful, as multiple calls have gone unanswered.
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