Local business owner claims odors from next door Panda Express is hurting his business
Chuck Weisbart has been running ‘It’s in the Bag’ at the Desert Crossings Shopping Center in Palm Desert for more than 20 years. About 2 and a half years ago, a Panda Express opened next door.
“From the time they started there were odors coming into the store that were absolutely unbearable,” Weisbart said.
Not too long after, he was getting complaints from customers, emails reading:
“My wife and i could not bear to be in your store…”
“I have no intention in traveling with luggage with a rancid, disgusting smell…”
It’s leather and fabrics like the ones at his store that Weisbart says absorb odors, forcing him to throw out several thousand dollars worth in luggage.
“Almost every single day we placed a phone call to the landlord and the landlord had a licensed contractor come out for two and half years on an ongoing basis trying to figure out what the problem was,” Weisbart said.
After not finding a solution he withheld rent for 3 months then, shortly after, called in a city inspector and says he learned the wall shared with Panda Express is supposed to be a firewall, responsible for the odor entering his store and a fire hazard.
“Without it being a firewall with a kitchen on the other side in ten minutes my whole business can be destroyed,” Weisbart added.
Weisbart decided to relocate and asked for a two-month hold over which he says was denied by the landlord, who then filed a lawsuit against ‘it’s in the Bag’ for unlawful detainer.
“We’re in a lawsuit with them and as soon as we leave then they’re going to be sued for two and a half years in rent,” Weisbart said.
As for the shared wall, according to the City of Palm Desert, it’s building and safety department are working with the tenants and landlord who are responsible for solving the issue. If it’s not corrected citations will be issued.
The property manager would not discuss the issue with us and ‘It’s in the Bag’ is relocating to the Jensens Shopping Center on Highway 111 this Friday.
A spokesperson for Panda Express responded to our report with a statement;
“At Panda Express we are committed to being a positive member of our community. Several steps have been taken to address the concerns of the neighboring business at the Palm Desert location, including restaurant renovations and environmental studies conducted by the property owner. We are currently working with the landlord and City of Palm Desert in determining how to best resolve the issue and to ensure we are upholding the great operations that Panda Express is known for.” – Panda Express
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
