A Philadelphia restaurant owner says she’s been facing harassment since opening her dream business.
Shakira Turner, the owner of Chubby Chicks Cafe on Walnut Street, expanded her restaurant from New Jersey to Center City just two months ago. However, she claims the trouble started almost immediately.
Turner says several disturbing incidents have happened, including a stolen sign, coffee poured under her door, a flooded bathroom, and even dead rats left outside her cafe.
“It was in front of the store every day for three days,” Turner said, visibly upset by the situation.
Condo Residents Linked to Complaints
Although no one has been directly linked to the harassment, Turner believes her upstairs neighbors, who live in a nearby condo building, may be behind it. She claims they have complained about her business to her landlord multiple times.
In response to these allegations, the Condo Association’s lawyer, Matthew Collins, issued a statement.
He said, “The Association has not been privy to specific interactions between the restaurant and neighborhood residents; however, there have been unsubstantiated reports that harassment is taking place on all sides.
The Association condemns any such behavior and supports legal action against the perpetrators.”
Collins emphasized that the association values Chubby Chicks as part of the community. However, he noted that problems arise when the activities of a business disturb nearby residents.
Noise Complaints Spark Controversy
One of the main complaints is about noise from the cafe. Turner admits she hosts a DJ and karaoke on weekends but insists that events end by 3 p.m.
She also claims that complaints have been made at times when her business wasn’t even open. “We’re only open until 3 during the week,” she said, dismissing accusations of late-night noise.
Despite her attempts to clear up misunderstandings, Turner says the complaints have continued.
According to her lawyer, Stephen Pina, “It’s unfortunate that almost since the day the restaurant opened, a few people have been focused on shutting it down by making offensive and untrue claims.”
Read More:
- Right of Way Rules: Who Goes First on the Road in Albuquerque?
- Right of Way Rules: Who Goes First on the Road in Milwaukee?
Seeking Resolution Amid Ongoing Tension
Turner says she wants to resolve the issue peacefully but feels targeted and unwelcome. “Why? Why? Please leave me alone,” she said, expressing frustration over the ongoing situation.
Meanwhile, the Condo Association is also hopeful for a resolution. “We encourage all parties to turn down the temperature and come together to find an amicable solution,” said Collins.
Both parties have now installed surveillance cameras to monitor future incidents.
Community Support and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, Turner says other local businesses have been supportive. She remains determined to keep her cafe open and is trying to stay positive.
“It makes me wonder, ‘Did I dream too big? Was this too big? Should I have stayed where I was?’ That makes me super sad and it’s heartbreaking,” she admitted.
Turner is hopeful that with time and communication, she and her neighbors can find common ground. For now, she’s focused on running her restaurant and building a positive presence in the community.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
+ There are no comments
Add yours