Posted on 09/09/2014 10:20:18 PM PDT by BenLurkin
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — The general manager running the legendary luxury-liner-turned-hotel RMS Queen Mary has sent a letter to staff and management of the ship’s numerous shops, telling them they have 30 days to vacate the ship to make room for newer retail shops.
The letter, according to an article by the Long Beach Post, is reportedly from Queen Mary General Manager John Jenkins and advises the stunned workers and shop-owners that they have 30 days in which to close and leave, as the ship begins a consolidated retail agreement with a new company.
The company, called Event Network, is said to be entering a five-year agreement with the Queen Mary, starting Oct. 13.
Event Network provides retail services and operates “stores on behalf of outstanding cultural attractions,” according to the company’s website, which suggests the inclusion of museums and aquariums.
The letter to the shops’ staff and management reads:
“With careful evaluation and discussion, it has been decided by current ownership that the retail spaces aboard the Queen Mary will be consolidated into one institution and will have the sole responsibility to run day-to-day operations of each outlet; this includes stock personnel and management. Please accept this letter as (a) 30-day notification to dissolve our current working relationship or presumed agreement.
“Additionally, it is our expectation that you and current staff be held accountable to the highest level of service, agreeing to surrender the premises in good order and condition without negative or unnecessary repercussion.
“We sincerely appreciate your partnership over the years and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.”
The Queen Mary, which earned a reputation as one of the grandest luxury ocean liners of all time after launching in 1934, was converted into an immobile hotel in Long Beach after being retired in 1967.
She served as a troop ship for the Allies in World War II, earning the nickname “Gray Ghost,” based on her tendency to disappear into thick fog after she was painted entirely gray.
Operational control of the Queen Mary went to Evolution Hospitality LLC in 2011. She is owned by the Garrison Investment Group.
The retail shops don’t have lease agreements?
Good question
I expect this will enrich some lawyers.
I suspect that Event Network will have to pay a pretty penny to the owners of the Queen Mary, including damages resulting from the various lawsuits, settlements, and contract breaches resulting from the agreement.
The Event Network rodents say they cherish the entrepreneurial spirit and claim they have uncompromising integrity.
There are occasions where you can actually root for some of the trial lawyers.
They probably have “notice” clauses. Notice was given.
I assume they either have no leases or the leases are up...either way the owners have the right to do whatever they want with their shops!!!
There used to be a huge dive convention at the Queen Mary every year. We would stay on her and have a great time. Best one ever was the convention and then they did a Howard Hughes era dinner under the wings of the Spruce Goose. Was wonderful.
Eventually the convention was taken over by people hawking dive vacations and we quit going. Then they moved it to the Disneyland Hotel. Now not sure if they still have it.
When it first started was full of die hard divers, treasure hunters, and old pirates. Was a blast!
The store with a lease still in effect belongs to me.
My lease expires at the end of November and they are honoring that.
The other stores have been month to month for several years.
Recent update.......all stores (including mine) are being allowed to stay until Jan.6th.
Garrison Investments holds the master lease - although there is word that they have sold it to another company.
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