Woodbury’s Aperitif to Close in Wake of Investigation of Owner
Federal authorities are in the midst of a fraud investigation of the company that owns the restaurant.
Aperitif Restaurant and Bar will close Monday, just days after a federal investigation of the company that owns the Woodbury establishment was launched.
An Aperitif employee confirmed the closure to Woodbury Patch, but directed calls to the general manager of the nearby Sheraton Hotel. Both are owned by JLT Group, Inc., which is the subject of a Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service fraud investigation.
An employee at the Woodbury Sheraton said the hotel would remain open, to his knowledge. The general manager did not immediately return phone calls from Woodbury Patch.
Officials with the FBI and IRS executed a search warrant at JLT Group’s St. Paul headquarters last Friday, FBI special agent Steve Warfield said, though he would not elaborate on the investigation last week.
The company lists the Sheraton Hotel and Aperitif Restaurant in Woodbury, in addition to land near Tamarack Road and Interstate 494 and other parcels, among its properties, according to its Web site.
Angela Johnson
3:32 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
Well, that's no good. I very much enjoyed eating at Aperitif. Will it re-open?
Kris Janisch
3:39 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
It seems like a decent spot. You figure somebody will take it over. But I still haven't heard back from anyone.
Rachel H
3:48 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
It is a great place with a lot of fantastic people that have now lost their jobs. If you don't know any of them, you can offer support by patronizing other local establishments in the meantime. To keep businesses in Woodbury, we have to help them succeed!
Tamara Karlstrand
3:58 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
WE've had excellent food and service at Aperitif.
Scott H
7:01 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
Great staff, good food, I hope its just temporary. Man can not live on Applebees alone!
Ann
3:54 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2011
The kitchen staff at the Sheraton are dropping like flies. Fear they wiil be next. Pay is awful . Management better do something quick. very nervous employees.