PJS is reporting the State of Illinois revoked their certificate of registration, probably due to not paying taxes. From the article from Nick in the AM:
Seems like perfect conditions to grab some ice cream, right? Well, forget about doing that at the Baskin-Robbins outlet in Sheridan Village shopping center in Peoria.
That ice cream store has been closed since May 22, according to the company. Not because of a lack of business, apparently.
When Nick in the Morning visited the store last week, it was locked shut. But nothing inside appeared removed or disturbed.
On the door was a bright-green sticker, courtesy of the Illinois Department of Revenue. It stated, in part: “This business’ certificate of registration is hereby revoked.”
The message also stated anybody conducting business at that site is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to criminal prosecution.
Such signs are evidence of a business’ non-compliance with state tax laws. A Department of Revenue spokesman declined comment about the Baskin-Robbins case; he cited taxpayer-confidentiality laws.
After we spent almost a week communicating with Baskin-Robbins’ public-relations firm, a statement was issued. It reads, in full:
“The Baskin-Robbins shop located at 4125 N. Sheridan Road in Peoria closed on May 22nd. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our loyal guests, and we encourage them to visit our other nearby locations located at 1600 N. Knoxville Avenue and 4525 N. Sterling Avenue to enjoy our signature ice cream flavors and ranger of ice cream treats.”
No word on when or if the Sheridan Village shop might reopen.
Northbridge Investment Management Inc., a Toronto-based firm, purchased Sheridan Village earlier this year. Michael Lazier, a Northbridge partner, said he was unaware of the Baskin-Robbins situation and wouldn’t comment about it.
Lazier did say vacant Sheridan Village space would be leased by Mid-America Real Estate Group, an Oakbrook Terrace-based firm. Paige Schiesser of Mid-America confirmed the 1,200-square-foot store is for lease.
The entire situation appears to have taken quite the rocky road, pun intended.
