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By: Rob Otto
After more than a year of closure following a scandal, a New York judge, Suzanne Adams, has approved an “order of ejectment” enabling Glorious Sun, the landlord of Sherry-Lehmann’s flagship store at 505 Park Ave, to reclaim the space, NY Post reported
The renowned wine retailer, frequented by notable figures such as Henry Kissinger, Greta Garbo, and Andy Warhol, closed its doors on March 10, 2023, due to allegations of selling alcohol with an expired license.
Sherry-Lehmann, founded in 1934 by Sam Aaron and Jack Aaron, had relocated to Park Avenue in 2007, paying nearly $2 million annually for a 9,500-square-foot space. Despite its illustrious history, the retailer faced financial challenges, exacerbated by costly business decisions.
Glorious Sun, owed over $4.8 million in unpaid rent, initiated legal proceedings to retake control of the property. The closure of the store left shelves filled with outdated merchandise and fixtures gathering dust.
Efforts to clear the premises have been delayed, partly due to pandemic-related court backlogs. However, recent developments suggest progress in emptying the space, with glass doors covered and display windows concealed behind sheetrock walls.
While speculation persists about the potential auction of remaining fixtures, including historic wine barrels and memorabilia, investigations continue into alleged financial improprieties, including unpaid sales tax and unfulfilled wine orders. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service, have been involved in probing the matter.
Despite the store’s storied past and its role in introducing fine French wines to the US market, the fate of Sherry-Lehmann’s legacy remains uncertain as legal battles and financial woes persist.
Sherry-Lehmann’s legal troubles had been escalating for some time. The Post reported that earlier in 2023, the New York State Liquor Authority shut down the retailer on March 10, 2023 for selling alcohol without a valid license. Subsequently, the store has remained closed since then, affecting its loyal customer base and raising concerns about its future.
Shyda Gilmer and Kris Green, the owners of Sherry-Lehmann, have been at the center of the investigation. The Post reported that they are allegedly being scrutinized for selling wine to customers but failing to deliver it, particularly regarding futures worth over $1 million that were never fulfilled. These allegations have further damaged the store’s reputation and raised questions about the trustworthiness of its management.
The Park Avenue store of renowned wine seller Sherry-Lehmann experienced a shocking turn of events as it was raided by the FBI IN 2023, as was reported by the New York Post. The iconic 88-year-old vintner, already facing significant legal troubles, saw federal agents descend upon its premises as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the business and its owners. The Post reported that the situation has escalated, prompting authorities to take action amidst allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.
In a surprising move, federal agents arrived at the Park Avenue store early in the morning. An unmarked white van was stationed at the corner of Park and 59th St., indicating the gravity of the situation. The Post reported that the operation was part of a multi-law enforcement agency investigation, although the specific details were not disclosed to the public.
The agents were observed carrying out boxes from the premises, indicating that they were gathering evidence related to their inquiry, according to the Post report. When approached, an FBI officer confirmed they had been inside the store for hours.
