When a Philly restoration business closed, customers lost thousands

A Philadelphia company that once restored antique doors and furniture is shutting down after failing to complete work for which it had already been paid. The business agreed to a $20, 000 settlement with state officials, promising to return money to customers who never got their items fixed. In exchange, the company must stop operating entirely in the restoration industry. Customers had paid deposits for restorations that never happened, sometimes thousands of dollars per project. Many said they tried calling the company but never got answers about their orders. The business shut its doors in late 2023 after years of trouble, including pandemic-related financial struggles and staffing problems.Founded in 2011, the company was once popular among antique lovers, even making local "best of" lists. But its reputation couldn’t save it from collapse. The owner admitted the business couldn’t recover from the money lost during COVID-19 shutdowns and worker shortages. State officials say the company took deposits for work it never finished, leaving customers waiting. Now, former clients have until late August to file complaints to get their money back. The settlement also bans the company from ever working in restoration again.