NSW wedding caterer goes bust leaving engaged couples in the lurch
A wedding caterer has gone bankrupt with debts of around $184,000, with the boss informing a bride and groom of the bankruptcy just over 24 hours before their big day.
Chef Christopher Holt has gone bankrupt, forcing him to close down the operations of his NSW-based company Orchard Catering Co.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Orchard Catering Co will no longer be able to continue its activities as a catering supplier,” said a message from the company.
‘Unfortunately, we have gone bankrupt and can no longer meet our current obligations to our customers.’
One couple was left out of pocket for $14,000 and had to spend much of their honeymoon money to get a last-minute replacement for the next day.
A chef who went bankrupt with $184,000 in debt gave the bride and groom just over 24 hours notice that he would not show up to cater their wedding. A distressed bride is depicted
Another couple was told nine days in advance that their wedding catering had been canceled and were left with a $16,000 bill. Sunday Telegraph reported.
Some couples had noticed that it took a long time to receive responses to emails and phone calls and that tastings had been canceled, but were still shocked to discover that Orchard Catering had gone out of business.
“My jaw dropped,” one man said. “We kind of wondered why he wasn’t answering, but we never thought it was because he had gone bankrupt.”
People initially started finding out what was going on when it was revealed on an Australian wedding themed Facebook page.
But as word spread, many only found out when they were contacted just before their wedding date.
Orchard Catering’s accounts payable report shows approximately $184,000 owed to customers, suppliers and other creditors.
This includes $85,000 to Lumi Finance, $17,000 to Toyota Finance and over $20,000 to customers.
“It’s an incredibly disappointing thing for anyone to do, given the emotions attached to the day and the financial burdens couples are already facing,” said one bride.
One couple was left $14,000 out of pocket when their caterer canceled the day before their wedding. The photo shows a couple cutting a wedding cake
Mr Holt has denied threatening to sue people for talking about his bankruptcy and apologized for any hardship caused.
‘All the couples have my contact details and I have advised them to seek legal advice to recover any lost money or services. “I am committed to making this right for all parties involved,” he said.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Mr Holt for further comment.