Update: 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15: David Henshaw, the attorney representing now-closed Los Gatos Opera House Banquets, Inc., issued the following statement about the business' closure this morning:
"Opera House Banquets, Inc. is currently in the process of winding down, and dissolving the corporation. It is also determining the assets that can be liquidated, with any proceeds being available to pay creditors, including those that have deposits for future events. The amount of assets and subsequent proceeds are not known at this time."
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A sign outside the Los Gatos Opera House says it's closed. It advises the public to contact Henshaw Law Office in San Jose for information.
Several readers contacted Los Gatos Patch this week concerned that deposits made to the business, Los Gatos Opera House Banquets, Inc., will be lost with the surprising closure.
"I represent a group that was looking at booking the facility for a future event, and had been contacted by a co-worker that had been trying to contact them since last week, with unanswered calls," said a local resident who declined to be identified.
The woman said she had walked over the iconic building, 140 W. Main St., and found the office empty and a small crowd had gathered outside Wednesday morning wondering what would happen to their deposits and events.
Other wedding venues in both Los Gatos and Saratoga also contacted this publication wondering what's going on with the business. The facility, with a capacity for more than 300 people, has been the go-to place for weddings, charity luncheons and fundraisers.
"Since many people have rented space at the Opera House for upcoming events such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc., those affected may be scrambling to find a new space for their event," noted one wedding coordinator who also declined to be identified.
Indeed, said building owner and Los Gatos resident Paul Dorsa, the business was having trouble making rent and owes him about $120,000.
"He owes me almost a year's rent. He pulled the plug Feb. 1 and his last day was Feb. 10. I allowed him to stay the extra days so he can do two more events.
Erik Wilhelmsen and wife Jennifer owned the business for several years after buying it from the Toll House Hotel, Dorsa said. "We have several people looking to rent it as a banquet facility," he added.
Los Gatos Patch left several messages for Michelle McDonald, the administrative assistant for the Henshaw Law Office, which specializes in real estate, civil litigation, employment and bankruptcy law.
Several retail businesses operate on the building's first floor, while the entire second floor was occupied by the Opera House.
The Opera House's phone number, too, is disconnected.
"Last we talked he mentioned he had saved the deposits [from weddings] and was intending to return them," Dorsa said.
http://www.siliconvalleyjcc.org/facility/rentals.shtml Call or email our Hospitality Director at 408.357.7402 or diana@svjcc.org.
the facility to stay open as long as they did. Unfortunately often the oldest debts by law are paid first and the people who have plunked down deposits may be out of luck. Even if they get the money the courts may claw it back if the appropriate creditors are not paid first. I hope the Dorsa's find a new proprietor right away as there is a need for this facility in Los Gatos. They have been very good to the community is this is no fault of theirs.
The Historic Del Monte Building has two elegant ball rooms that can accommodate up to 300 guests. Villa Ragusa also has beautiful space can accommodate from 100-600 guests. If anyone knows anyone that needs a venue or space for their special event please have them contact us. We are more than willing to work within anyone’s budget. Details and photos are available at our website: http://thehistoricdelmonte.com/ and http://villaragusa.com/ Call or email our event manager at The Historic Del Monte Building at 408.735.7680 or Maria@thehistoricdelmonte.com Call or email our event manager at Villa Ragusa at 408.364.1900 or Hilary@villaragusa.com
What is a new renter going to have to do different to be financially viable. Lower rent?
file for up to 5K. Don't wait. You don't need a lawyer, get down to the court house or on line and file now. Once you get it you can attach a lien to their house.
http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/ Click on Corporation Name under Search Type, enter Opera House Banquets in the Entity Name box and click the Search button. You will find two records, one Dissolved and one Active, both at 140 W. Main St., Los Gatos.
fulfill the contract. Contact the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office NOW.
Last year, we hosted over 250 corporate and private events at Testarossa – our experienced staff and renowned hospitality insure that your special function will be fondly remembered by your guests for years to come. To inquire about having your Special Event here at Testarossa Winery, please contact events@testarossa.com or (408)354-6150 ext.32).
Entity Name: SARATOGA VILLAGE CATERERS, INC. Entity Number: C2034096 Date Filed: 08/26/1997 Status: ACTIVE Jurisdiction: CALIFORNIA Entity Address: 140 WEST MAIN STREET Entity City, State, Zip: LOS GATOS CA 95030 Agent for Service of Process: ERIK FINN WILHELMSEN Agent Address: 140 WEST MAIN STREET Agent City, State, Zip: LOS GATOS CA 95030 The corporate name is not consistent with what has been reported, but the owner's name is.