How long will Corvina's stay open?
JANESVILLE — The operator of Corvina's bar said she's not closing anytime soon and will fight the eviction process the landlord started.
Janelle Barlass called the Gazette on Wednesday to say she wanted to correct the impression the bar would close next week.
As reported in Wednesday's Gazette, the landlord has begun the eviction process. Barlass said she intends to fight the eviction in court.
The police brought complaints about Corvina's to the city's Alcohol License Advisory Committee in May. Barlass has appeared before the committee twice.
Landlord Fred Shahlapour said he was not sure when the eviction will occur. Wisconsin law allows for tenants to contest evictions in court, and Barlass said she intends to do so.
Barlass said Shahlapour has violated terms of the lease by not making repairs to the building, and that's why she has withheld rent.
Shahlapour said it's Barlass who has violated the lease in multiple ways, and he wants her out.
"I can guarantee you, they won't be there another month," Shahlapour said.
Shahlapour said the lease is in effect only as long as Barlass remains a business partner with Amir Sharifi, and Sharifi is no longer involved in the business.
Shahlapour said Barlass has not paid many bills, and her checks have bounced in some cases.
Barlass admitted that she hasn't paid some bills to liquor suppliers. She said income is down because sales of drinks are down.
"I've lost a lot of money because of heat in the building, which caused me to fall behind on some liquor bills, however, those will be taken care of," she said.
The lack of air conditioning is a problem. Barlass said Shahlapour must upgrade the building's electrical service so air conditioning can be installed. Shahlapour said the lease says only that he will contribute $1,500 to the installation of air conditioning.
David Toles, Barlass' security chief, said he has had to unclog the bar's plumbing, something the landlord should have done. Shahlapour said the lease calls for the tenant to keep the building in good repair.
Shahlapour said two checks he received from Barlass, for $5,000 and $7,000, have bounced. Barlass said Shahlapour would not receive any payments until he complies with the terms of the lease.
Barlass said she intended to open for business as usual on Wednesday night and on Wednesday through Saturday nights for as long as possible.
Aug 22, 2009 at 7:28 p.m.
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Most commercial leases state that it is the tenants obligation to keep the building in good repair. If it doesn't work or something is broke you fix it. The roof is all that is usually covered by the owner aside from structural issues. And you can NOT hold back payments for that reason. Payments must be made and differences must be settled in court after the fact.
Aug 22, 2009 at 7 p.m.
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Check out today's (8/22/09) Public Record in the paper. Guess who was arrested for issuing a worthless check of $2500.00 or more?????
Aug 22, 2009 at 2:21 a.m.
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There is a process when it comes to witholding rent. You can only with hold a certain percentage. Like if one bathroom wasn't working and she gave him written notice(and he has so long to fix it) she would have to figure out what percentage that bathroom is to the square footage of the place. Then you take that percentage off the rent. And you have to give proper notice. You just can't go with holding ALL the rent! There is a REAL law about all of this! And really, I am sure there are TONS of people who would LOVE air in their homes and businesses!
Aug 21, 2009 at 6 p.m.
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This woman should not be running businesses! A respectable business owner pays their bills, keeps good customers, and keeps in the good graces of the business community! All this woman has done is cause troubles for herself and anyone she has come across. I think it would be in her best interest, and the best interest of Janesville to shut her down.
Aug 21, 2009 at 5:55 p.m.
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Yeah, this is like when those folks that bought the Town & Country restaurant years ago were seen buying fish at Woodman's by the cartful. There's just no way a business can stay afloat paying retail like that.
Aug 21, 2009 at 3:22 p.m.
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thekid- I too have WMS. From time to time I try to overcome my lack of rhythm, but it always ends in disaster and embarrassment.
Aug 21, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.
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thekid - Too funny!!
Aug 21, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.
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hannah. id check this place out but unfortunately i was diagnosed early in life with WMS(white mans syndrome), which means i have no rhythm, so i tend to avoid places that have a 'club' atmosphere;)
Aug 21, 2009 at 2:37 p.m.
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As for the poll I vote no been there done that not doing it again.
Aug 21, 2009 at 8:51 a.m.
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Gazette Staff- Please do another article on this ridiculous, pathetic establishment with a title that reads as followed:
"Nobody gives a crap if Corvinas stays open"
Aug 21, 2009 at 6:59 a.m.
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Shut the dump down!
Aug 21, 2009 at 1:31 a.m.
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12 bottles then your done.
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12 Bottle Bill
Flexibility, Lower Penalties
The Tavern League of Wisconsin successfully lowered the penalties for our members who would occasionally run out of a bottle of liquor during business hours. If you were caught borrowing or buying a bottle of liquor from someone other than a wholesaler you faced huge fines, up to $10,000 and possible loss of your liquor license and possible prison time. You can now purchase up to 12 one liter bottles per month with a penalty not to exceed $100 with no threat to your license.
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but if you're not paying the beer and alcohol distributor. you're really done. ;)
Aug 21, 2009 at 12:51 a.m.
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How about a follow up now that its a story....
You have all kinds of nitch warriors!!!!!! OK i'M Giving up to rescue you.....
Aug 21, 2009 at 12:37 a.m.
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Does she ever do anything OTHER then point the finger at other people?
Aug 20, 2009 at 10:26 p.m.
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I'm guessing they will be closed by the end of August.
Aug 20, 2009 at 5:37 p.m.
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Constructive eviction (withholding rent)? Good luck.
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