SoCal party business abruptly shuts down, leaving families out thousands of dollars before events
COMMERCE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Southern California party venue business that once hosted weddings, quinceañeras and sweet 16 celebrations has shut down both of its locations, leaving families scrambling and demanding refunds as investigators pursue criminal charges against one of its operators.
The Rustic and Chic Company, which ran event halls in Commerce and South El Monte, closed abruptly last month. Customers say they were left without venues sometimes just days before major events -- and without refunds for thousands of dollars in payments.
Angelica Velasco booked the company's Commerce hall for her daughter Bella's sweet 16. She spoke to Eyewitness News in an interview outside the venue that's now closed for good.
"It's heartbreaking, it's heartbreaking," she said.
Bella's party was scheduled for Aug. 7. Velasco said she had already paid more than $10,000 when she received an email five days before the event stating that "due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to accommodate your event."
"We acknowledge your right to seek legal recourse if necessary," the email added.
"I was angry. I felt depressed," said Velasco. "I felt accomplished that I was able to do this for my daughter, you know, provide her something I never had." Velasco said the company did not offer her a refund.
Two days later, Rustic and Chic sent another email announcing it, "can no longer continue operations." The message claimed the business "has experienced significant operational and financial challenges following extensive public attention...including media coverage by ABC Channel 7."
Maria Bonilla, another customer, dismissed that explanation.
"Pretty much they're just finding an excuse," she said.
The company had already faced scrutiny earlier this year, when customers of its South El Monte location contacted 7 On Your Side after that venue also abruptly closed. The city declared it an "unpermitted event hall," forcing it to shut down. At the time, owner Juan Mendez -- who ran the business with his wife, Sandra -- told ABC7 the city's actions were "unfair" and "unlawful."
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With both venues now closed, customers from each location say they fear they will never recover their money.
"It's devastating because this wasn't just a quinceañera. It was a way to honor my late husband who passed away three years ago from cancer," said Sindia Gonzalez, who booked the Rustic and Chic's South El Monte location for her daughter's celebration.
"I'm just, I'm so stressed and the fact that these people have done this to multiple families is just, it's disgusting," said Michelle Castro, who had reserved the Commerce hall for her wedding.
"What did they expect, that we were just gonna keep quiet?" added Maria Calderon, who booked the South El Monte venue for a Sweet 16.
A group of frustrated customers recently went from the shuttered Commerce hall to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's East L.A. station to speak with detectives. Three weeks later, deputies arrested Sandra Mendez and accused her of conspiracy to defraud.
"It felt like a win," Velasco said after learning of the arrest. And instead of joining Rustic and Chic in blaming ABC7 for the business folding, she's grateful for 7 On Your Side's coverage as she and others fight for refunds.
"Thank you Channel 7, for bringing attention to what happened to us. Thank you Channel 7," said Velasco.
Juan Mendez responded to requests for comment during 7 On Your Side's previous reporting. But neither he nor Sandra Mendez responded to repeated requests for comment for this follow-up story.
