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Osceola business shuts down, leaving unsuspecting employees in lurch

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An Osceola County business shut its doors, and unsuspecting employees had no clue it was coming.

An employee of Beauchamp Arms said he hasn't been paid in more than a month and the owner is nowhere to be found.

Kennyth Gonzalez said he is furious.

"I gave all that I have and they left me high and dry," Gonzalez said.

He said when he arrived for work at the Beauchamp Arms Tuesday, it was closed without any warning.

"They owe me over ($1,000) and that's not even counting my overtime," Gonzalez said.

He's not alone.

"There (are at) least over seven people that they owe money to, that won't ever see their money," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said his bosses gave their word that he would be paid so he stuck it out.

He said he's now jobless, broke and homeless.

"I actually got kicked out of my house downtown, because they didn't pay me and I couldn't pay my rent, so me and my buddy, we're both homeless," Gonzalez said.

Eyewitness News went to the restaurant and saw fans and some lights on, but no one answered the door.

A sign said it was closed for renovations and will reopen under new management.

A call to the owner went to voice mail.

Gonzalez said he's contacted lawyers and is planning to sue.

Meanwhile, he's desperately trying to land a new job in order to get back on his feet.

"If I have to walk dogs, if I have to scrub floors with a toothbrush, I'm not above anything. I will do anything and everything," Gonzalez said.

Employees said they think the owners are gone for good and they'll never see their money.