US restaurant owner closes business and lays off entire staff through text

The employees of a Florida restaurant got the shock of their lives when they received a text message from the owner of the eatery, telling them that they had all been fired as the business was shutting down.

During an interview with WFTV, a former teary-eyed staff member, Jodi Jackson, who spent two years working at Barducci's Italian Bistro, said that in her opinion, the method of firing was immoral and cowardice, the New York Daily News reported.

Gregory Kennedy, the owner of the Winter Park restaurant, had given no prior notice when he sent the 4th of July surprise text informing more than 12 employees of the closure.

"Jodi, I unfortunately need to inform you that i have been forced to close Barducci's effective immediately," Kennedy wrote via text.

Jackson asserted to the channel that the staff has yet to receive their final paychecks.

When Kennedy was asked to comment, he once again responded by text.

He wrote that unfortunately businesses are forced to close across Orlando every day especially in the restaurant sector and he is working to resolve issues including final paychecks as quickly as possible.