DETROIT – Why is a lawsuit that was first filed in 2014 dragging on? Insiders said Friday they know exactly why -- and put the blame on Panera Bread.
Greg Yatoomah, the owner of a Mattress Closeout Center, runs a successful store on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills. But his once-thriving location in Rochester was shut down, and Yatoomah said neighboring business Panera is the reason.
Everything changed for Yatoomah after an issue sparked with Panera, he said. A faulty water heater inside the restaurant leaked into the Mattress Closeout Center, and the damage done over time was severe.
Photos show the destruction, which included mold and water damage.
Trying to get the issue resolved was frustrating, to say the least, Yatoomah said.
The damage took a toll on Yatoomah’s business and also affected his family.
Repairs were made that stopped the leak on the Panera side of the wall, but the problems continued to pour in next door, Yatoomah said.
After talks with Panera corporate officials broke down, the next step was to take legal action.
This wasn’t a battle over millions of dollars, said Gavin Fleming, the attorney representing Yatoomah. The issue involved about $65,000, he added.
A spokesperson for Panera would only say, “Thanks for reaching out to us, but as a matter of policy, we don't comment on legal matters.”
At the Rochester strip mall where the mattress outlet once thrived, Panera is still operating and bringing in big business.
In the meantime, Yatoomah said he's dealt with incredible loss: the loss of a once-booming location but more important, he’s lost time and energy trying to put this battle with Panera behind him once and for all, he said.