The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Eateries say they can’t accept Chowder Pot III gift cards
BRANFORD — Just days after local eateries announced they would honor unused gift cards from the shuttered U.S.S. Chowder Pot III, the offer has been rescinded on the advice of the former restaurant’s legal team, according to the restaurateurs.
Chowder Pot owner John Bencivengo, Jr. said he contacted other Branford restaurants last week to help customers make use of these cards after the restaurant closed abruptly on March 3.
Days later Bencivengo’s attorney, Neil Crane, contacted the restaurants and asked them to not honor the cards, according to restaurant owners.
Crane, whose firm specializes in bankruptcies and debt relief, according to its website, could not be immediately reached for comment. Bencivengo declined to comment.
“Unfortunately, we were contacted by Chowder Pot’s legal team and we are no longer able to accept Chowder Pot gift certificates,” Stony Creek Brewery announced on its Facebook page on Wednesday.
The Stony Creek Brewery, along with several other local restaurants, had initially extended the offer to honor a portion of paper gift cards. Earlier this week Bencivengo said he is working with his lawyer to reconcile outstanding gift cards. He is unsure how many are currently circulating unused, he said.
On the state level, the Office of the Attorney General is working on behalf of consumers to try and recoup losses.
Individuals who hold a Chowder Pot III gift card may file a complaint online with the office, according to a spokesperson, who said the office is attempting to work with the restaurant to get refunds for customers.
Eli’s On The Hill was one of the local restaurant offering a percentage off a meal with a Chowder Pot gift card.
The restaurant has also stopped accepting them.
“John’s attorney suggested we don’t redeem them, so we’re honoring his request,” said Eli’s co-owner Peter Ciardiello.
Edgar Ortiz, owner of La Luna Ristorante, was approached by Bencivengo earlier in the week with a request to honor the cards.
“I’ve known Chef John for a while,” he said at the time. “I was more than willing to help.”
Now, he has also stopped accepting the gift cards.
Branford Townhouse Family Restaurant announced in a Facebook post that the eatery would not be accepting the gift cards “due to impending litigation.”
Other restaurants that were offering a deal on the gift cards are Dockside Seafood & Grill and Longley’s, formerly Allegra’s. No one at these establishments could be reached immediately for comment.