Employees at Coffee Culture in downtown St. Catharines in shock after receiving a text from the eateries franchise owner informing them their jobs had been terminated.
The owner sending the employees a text last Tuesday night, saying for reasons beyond his control he was shutting down the restaurant.
A St. Catharines resident took a photo of a sign in the window that read "Closed for Renovations" Wednesday morning.
Later in the week, the sign was removed and cardboard was placed over the glass.
When contacted by Post Media, a Coffee Culture official at head office says they only found out about the closure last Thursday and have no idea why the doors are shut.
St Catharines councillor Mat Siscoe, whose ward includes dowtown, says it's no way to let loyal workers go.
He says you have to give employees the chance to ask the questions they need to ask.
The official says they are working to ensure employees receive proper compensation.