The Nocatee-based owners of a Mexican restaurant mini-empire are fighting back against accusations that they coldly left dozens of workers without a job this holiday season after abruptly closing two locations.
Jesus and Blanca Valencia drew fire after locking up Anejo Cocina in Yulee and Salsas in Blanding last weekend, leaving staffers dazed and unemployed.
Their partner in those two ventures, Melandy Higdon, told several media outlets that the closures came as a total shock — and that the Valencias were “heartless” for leaving employees in the cold ahead of Christmas.
But the Valencias fired back Friday, accusing Higdon of brazenly misrepresenting the situation — and “refusing” to step down from her “minority partner” position at the restaurants for months.
“She refused numerous times and was informed in writing, more than once, that her refusal would result in the temporary closing of the restaurants to relieve her from her duties,” read a statement from the couple. “And for Mr. Valencia as President of the company and majority owner to regain control of the operations and restructure them for success.”
The Valencias said Higdon knew that the closures were imminent, but refused to relay the possibility to workers.
Additionally, the couple pledged to reopen the two locations in short order and rehire all staffers “in good standing.”
“We have sent an informative email to them and held a meeting today with many of them,” they said. “As of now, all the employees we’ve reached are happy to return to work.”
The Valencias apologized for the disruption in business and the uncertainty thrust on their workers.
“We are now moving on to restructure our management team in the affected stores to improve operations, as well as communication with our staff and the community that has kindly supported us throughout the years,” they wrote.
Higdon did not return several requests for comment from The Citizen.
