The iconic wine retailer, Sherry-Lehmann, is facing a lawsuit from its landlord over $3.6 million in unpaid rent. The landlord, Glorious Sun, is demanding that the store on Park Avenue be cleared out immediately. The shop has been closed since March when it failed to renew its liquor license. However, the lawsuit states that the rent has not been paid since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
Glorious Sun, a Hong Kong-based property firm, owns the building where Sherry-Lehmann is located. The lawsuit not only targets the store but also its former owners who were signatories on the lease over the past 17 years. The complaint claims that each of the former owners is liable for the rent debt as they are “guarantors” on the lease, even if they are no longer associated with the company.
Among the former owners named in the lawsuit is Michael Aaron, whose father founded the store in 1934. Aaron sold his interest in the company in 2007 and is reportedly retired in Florida. Michael Yurch, a co-owner and president of Sherry-Lehmann from 1996 to 2013, is also named in the suit. Yurch stated that he sold all of his shares in the company ten years ago and has had no involvement with the business since.
Another defendant in the lawsuit is Chris Adams, who served as chief executive and co-owner for over a decade. Adams left the company in 2020 and has yet to be served with the lawsuit.
Sherry Lehmann and its current co-owner, Shyda Gilmer, who are also facing lawsuits from suppliers over undelivered wine and unpaid sales tax to New York state, did not respond to requests for comment.
In July, law enforcement agents raided the Park Avenue store and an office building complex owned by Glorious Sun in Pearl River, NY, where Gilmer and Sherry-Lehmann’s other co-owner allegedly moved the company’s wine storage business. Despite these legal troubles, the store on Park Avenue has remained largely unchanged since its closure in March.
According to a former employee, the owners of Sherry-Lehmann are facing financial difficulties and do not have the resources to operate the business. The employee stated that the owners cannot even afford the electric bill, raising concerns about their ability to store inventory.
The lawsuit alleges that the tenants have not removed their belongings from the premises, in violation of the lease agreement. The landlord claims that the store has failed to surrender possession of the premises and leave it in a clean condition as required.
It remains unclear what actions Glorious Sun will take regarding the Pearl River property, as their lawyer does not represent them in any matters concerning that space.
The future of Sherry-Lehmann remains uncertain as it faces multiple legal challenges and financial difficulties.
Hey there wine enthusiasts,
There’s been quite a buzz about Sherry-Lehmann lately, and we couldn’t help but share the latest update with you. Now, we know you love your rare and expensive vintages as much as we do, so imagine the panic that ensues when customers start worrying that their beloved bottles have gone missing!
According to a recent report in The Post, customers have been desperately trying to reach Sherry-Lehmann to retrieve their treasured wines from storage. The fear of loss or theft is real, my friends. It’s understandable when you invest in something so special and valuable.
But wait, there’s more! It turns out even the store’s trusted law firm, Nixon Peabody, is feeling the heat. The firm claims it hasn’t been paid by Sherry-Lehmann and has taken the drastic step of asking the court to excuse them from representing the retailer in ongoing legal matters. Whoa, talk about a legal bombshell!
Now, why are we telling you all this? Well, we believe in keeping you informed and in the loop. After all, we wine lovers need to stick together and support one another. It’s important to know what’s happening in the world of wine, especially when it concerns a renowned establishment like Sherry-Lehmann.
We understand the frustration and concern of the customers who fear for the safety of their prized possessions. Losing a rare and expensive vintage is like losing a piece of history. We can only hope that Sherry-Lehmann addresses these issues swiftly and gives their customers peace of mind. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a positive resolution.
As for Nixon Peabody, well, it’s never easy when a long-standing professional relationship hits a rocky patch. We hope they find a resolution that works for all parties involved. Sometimes, even the most trusted partnerships face challenges, and it’s a reminder that business can be a roller coaster ride.
In the end, all we can do is hope for the best and support one another. So, let’s raise our glasses, my fellow wine aficionados, and toast to the safe return of those misplaced bottles and the resolution of legal matters. Here’s to brighter days ahead for Sherry-Lehmann!
Cheers,
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