NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans business, open for nearly 100 years has suddenly closed, leaving several customers demanding answers about their deposits and property.
Eyewitness News first spoke with David Schlackman Jan. 9, after he contacted the station about his awning that was supposed to be repaired by C. Bel for Awnings, a business located on Tchoupitoulas Street that had been serving the area since 1926.
Schlackman moved to New Orleans from up north a few years ago and purchased the large awning from C. Bel for Awnings for his house and patio to minimize the heat.
“They were the prominent people in the awning business,” Schlackman said.
He was happy with the initial service and reached out to the business again when the awning needed to be repaired in the summer of 2019.
“It wasn't something that could be patched, they had to take the piece back to their shop,” Schlackman said.
However, when it was time for the awning to re-installed, Schlackman says the crews were a no-show and when he tried calling the business there was no answer. He says when he stopped by the storefront, he learned the business had closed.
“Another awning would cost us, based on what we bought it for four years ago north of $10,000,” Schlackman said. “Not a pleasant thought to have to suddenly incur.”
A few days later, Eyewitness News got a call from another customer who asked to remain anonymous. The caller had a receipt for a deposit made to C. Bel for Awnings in Oct. 2019 for more than $1,000. That caller says she’s also been unable to get a hold of anyone at the business and does not have the awning she put money down for.
When Eyewitness News contacted C. Bel For Awnings current co-owner and president, Robert Andry Jr., he confirmed the business had closed and sent a statement.
“It is unfortunate, but due to circumstances that can't be discussed for legal reasons, C. Bel for Awnings, Inc. has closed their doors,” Andry said. “We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused our customers. I will personally be working with our attorneys to make sure that all of our customers are made whole as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time."
Andry said there are about 20-30 customers who he had not contacted about the businesses closure at the time this article was written.
Since his interview with Eyewitness News, David Schlackman says he's been contacted by someone who says they'll return his awning, but he'll have to foot the bill for a different contractor to install for an additional $450.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater New Orleans told Eyewitness News Thursday they have received several complaints from customers about C. Bel For Awnings and are currently looking into the situation.
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