Winter Park restaurant owner says landlord won't fix issues that forced her to close

WINTER PARK, Fla. — A Winter Park restaurant owner hopes new signs will push her landlord to fix some major issues, including a rat infestation.

The issues have forced the owner of Park Plaza Gardens to close up shop.

A sign in the restaurant window reads, "rat infestation,” to answer ongoing questions from as to why the restaurant closed 10 months ago.

Global director of marketing Michelle Heatherly said Park Plaza Gardens could no longer operate because of the condition of the building.

She pointed to fallen ceiling tiles, water damage and rat traps.

The restaurant owner, Mary Demetree, operated the restaurant for 16 years.

With its garden dining area, guests hosted birthdays, weddings and tea parties.

“It’s devastating for her. It’s been frustrating. We wanted to get these issues resolved amicably. We tried and tried,” Heatherly said.

In June 2016, the restaurant sued the landlord, saying the tenant noticed rodent for months in and around the premises.

Documents go on to say the landlord breached the lease by failing to address the rodent issue and maintain the water lines and pipes in the building.

In 2013, documents state the restaurant shut down temporarily after the state found rodent droppings and others issues.

Channel 9 contacted the attorney representing the landlord, but has not gotten a response. But according to court documents, an attorney for the landlord wrote a letter in 2016 strongly objecting to allegations that a rat infestation led to the closure of the restaurant, and blamed food behind coolers for attracting the rodents.

The attorney went on to suggest the restaurant never replaced cooler doors to keep moisture from leaking out.

Channel 9 contacted the property manager as well, but was told no comment.

Cox Media Group