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Sweet Home on the Lake sudden closure causes outrage

Sweet Home on the Lake announced the closure of all of their locations on Monday, Feb. 3
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Owners of Sweet Home on the Lake, Cody and Eva Borek announced they would be closing the business on Monday, Feb. 3.

Customers of local business Sweet Home on the Lake feel outraged after the business announced a sudden closure without any notice. 

The business owners Cody and Eva Borek first announced the closing of all of their Sweet Home locations on social media on Monday, Feb. 3. 

"This is a post we never thought we would have to write. After years of pouring our hearts into Sweet Home, we are devastated to share that we will be closing all of our locations, effective immediately with the exception of Sweet Home on the Lake which we will be open for as long as we can be." 

In their post, the owners also brought up how the closure of the parking lot was one of the biggest detriments to the business.

"One year ago, we faced an unexpected and life-changing challenge- the closure of the parking lot at Sweet Home on the Lake, our busiest location. At the time, we believed it would be a temporary issue, something we could quickly resolve. Instead, it became the greatest battle we have ever faced," they said. 

When the parking lot first closed, the Borek's had just opened two other businesses, one in Drumheller and another in Red Deer. 

"With no ability to negotiate as tenants and a landlord recently widowed and unable to fight for it, we were left with two choices: walk away or fight for our future. We chose to fight. We sold our home, invested everything we had, and pushed forward with legal battles, financial restructuring, and a mission to keep serving the communities we love." 

Later an offer came to purchase the Sylvan Lake property and the Borek's were told their lease would not be renewed. 

"We turned to our community for help, and you showed up for us in ways we will never forget. Your support gave us the strength to keep going," they said. 

"Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts, ongoing financial struggles, legal delays, and high-interest borrowing have made it impossible to continue. Our lender, who holds our inventory and fixtures as collateral, will be taking possession, forcing us to close our doors permanently."

This first message was followed by another on Tuesday, Feb. 4, saying the store was officially closed.

"When we received notice last week that we would be going into receivership. Our life turned upside down. No more time to plan? No more ways to pivot? No more options? That is our reality now. We are heartbroken, devastated and we are so extremely sorry," the Borek's said. 

In their post, the owners said they wouldn't be able to answer all of the questions as it is now out of their hands. 

"We are in receivership and unable to operate and unaware of what the future looks like. We are so thankful for the meaningful relationships sweet home has created in our lives and we will hold on to those memories so dearly. We hope you do as well. We know “I’m sorry” doesn’t cover the gravity of what is left in this aftermath, But we truly are." 

With the very sudden closure, many former customers were left outraged, and many people expressed their anger in the comments.  

"Stop playing the victim – your employees and customers deserve better. Let’s be honest here. This “difficult goodbye” isn’t some tragic, unforeseeable loss - it’s the direct result of your own reckless business decisions."

"You chose high-interest lending. You chose to expand aggressively when you were already in financial trouble. And now, instead of taking full accountability, you’re spinning this as if you’re the victims while your employees and customers are the ones actually suffering."

Many customers are also left with gift cards worth hundreds of dollars. 

"Money was taken in good faith from loyal customers who now have nothing to show for it. That’s theft, plain and simple. And we all know the vast majority of those people won’t be able to use them before the doors shut for good. How do you justify that? Your so-called cherished community is being forced to eat dirt by your actions," a commenter said. 

"You created this mess, and now you’re trying to wrap it up in flowery words and a heartfelt “thank you” to avoid the consequences. Expect lawsuits. Expect anger. And stop pretending this wasn’t preventable. You weren’t just unlucky - you were irresponsible. Take some real accountability. Your staff and customers deserve at least that much." 

While this has been going on other local business owners have stepped up to help try and ease the situation. 

"As a small business owner, I know how hard it can be when a beloved store closes, leaving gift cards in limbo. While we can’t get that money back for you, I want to help ease the frustration and offer a little support," owner of Spotted Gecko Clothing Lori Black said. 

"To all the customers and employees affected by the recent Sweet Home closure, I’m offering a $10 gift certificate as a small way to help you keep faith in our Sylvan Lake downtown and small businesses." 

Similar to Black, the owner of White Frog Cafe, Kelly McMillan, has also reached out to the community. 

"Bring your gift certificate to White Frog Cafe in Sylvan Lake, and use it to pay for 50 per cent of your purchase! Offer valid until you use the total amount of your gift certificate." 

 



Sarah Baker

About the Author: Sarah Baker

I joined Black Press in March 2023 and am looking forward to sharing stories about the local communities.
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