NORFOLK, Va. — Stripers in downtown Norfolk — an anchor restaurant at the Waterside district — abruptly closed this week, and employees are saying they were let go without notice.
News 3 called Stripers Waterside and a person who only identified themselves as a "helper" of the restaurant said they would be closed for almost two months for remodeling.
However, former employees say they were told something different.
"I got a text from my manager saying that Stripers was closing their doors and letting all of us go. No explanation on why," said Pamela Ortiz, a former Stripers employee.
Watch: Plaza Azteca on Norfolk's Granby St. abruptly closes months after chain's $11M lawsuit
Stripers' Facebook page says they are permanently closed.
"We were all asked to step outside by our assistant GM and he told us the doors to Stripers were closing and we were all laid off. When he asked the owner for a reason, we didn’t receive a reason," Lauren, a former employee who wanted to be identified by her first name said.
"The restaurant's management told us that employees direct deposits were canceled and we were told to pick up our paychecks on Friday," Lauren said.
Watch: Ghent's Plaza del Sol closes after 18 years
A manager at The Fudgery located next to Stripers and inside of the Waterside District says Stripers closing, even temporarily will have an impact on foot traffic.
"It’s going to effect business because we’ve already had a few other restaurants close down after COVID including the Chipotle, Guy Fieri’s. It’s a tourist marketplace. Now that the season is over, it’s not going to be so good during the week," Reggie, a manager at The Fudgery who only wanted to be identified by his first name said.
We'll follow up on this story as we learn more about future plans for Stripers.
