My ReBar Wedding Disaster

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(Photo: Ben Yakas / Gothamist)

(Photo: Ben Yakas / Gothamist)

When my fiancée and I got engaged last December, reBar in DUMBO was the first and only venue we looked at. For two Brooklynites who wanted a fun wedding but had no desire to plan a wedding ourselves, reBar was a no-brainer. For one flat per-person fee, they provided the entire package: ceremony, reception, food, open bar, DJ, flowers, security…the whole nine yards. It’s a beautiful, industrial-chic space, the entire staff was friendly, and we loved the food tasting. We decided right then that we were going for it, and spent the past four months congratulating ourselves on what a stress-free wedding we planned. We greatly enjoyed shocking friends and family by telling them that we really didn’t have anything left to do.

That was then.

On Friday afternoon, as I was boarding a plane to go to a friend’s (meticulously planned) wedding in Tulsa, another friend sent me a link to a story on Gothamist reporting that ReBar was closed and bankrupt. Many of the venue’s employees turned up for work Friday morning to find the place padlocked with a sign reading “reBar is closed and bankrupt. DO NOT ENTER.” Said employees, along with the hundreds of couples who have upcoming weddings booked and largely paid for at reBar, commenced freaking out.

Since then, Gothamist, which has been on top of the story all weekend, has reported that reBar owner Jason Stevens allegedly owes $2.5 million to the IRS, and that he took off with more than $150,000 in wedding deposits before shutting the place down. No one on staff at reBar seems to have talked with him, or knows where he may be, and anyone getting their money back is increasingly looking like a long shot.

Our wedding is planned for July 18th and we have already paid $16,000, the majority of the cost for the whole event. There are reBar weddings booked every weekend for the rest of the year, and into 2015, even 2016. Most of those couples are out as much money as we are, if not more. (ReBar also sold catered packages at nearby DUMBO Loft, and while the couples who booked weddings there aren’t out of a venue, some of them have likely lost some money to reBar as well.) And of course, reBar’s 35 employees are out of a job. Friday was payday and no one got a check for the work they have completed in the past two weeks.

For those who had weddings planned for this week, the situation is a nightmare to say the least, and more than a few have had some choice words for Stevens. On the other hand, reBar’s ex-employees have been absolutely amazing. The venue’s two wedding planners, who now must be facing serious financial hardship themselves, have been working tirelessly to help the stranded couples find new venues and vendors, even though they are no longer employed by reBar. And a whole bunch of reBar staff members, vowing that this past weekend’s weddings would go on, volunteered to work for free at two weddings, one of which was moved down the block to Baco, and another to Bacchus. Several others event spaces across the borough have pledged to give significant discounts to those who need to book a new wedding, including DUMBO Loft.  Some of those places, like Atrium, have also encouraged reBar’s employees to send on their resumes. An indiegogo campaign has been launched to help couples offset their losses, and there is also a Give Forward fundraiser to help the employees.

As for my formerly stress-free bride and I, we’ll be spending the week visiting venues that have been kind enough to set-up last-minute meetings and have said they’ll work with us to keep pricing down as much as they can. We sent our invites out last week and have family coming in from across the country and as far away as Ireland, so changing the date isn’t really an option. We have been incredibly touched though, by the way in which reBar’s former employees, and the entire DUMBO/Brooklyn community, have reached out to help in any way they can.

We know that many worse things have happened in the world this weekend, and that it will all work out in the end. Come hell or highwater, we’re still getting married, and that’s what counts, not the party or the money. But, you know…$!#!%$#$!

If you work at a local venue or vendor that may be able to help stranded couples or the dedicated reBar employees who now need jobs–please leave a comment below.

Brooklyn venues we have been in touch with that have already offered to cut costs on available dates, and who have reached out since this article was published (there’s contact info for many of these in the comments, plus suggestions for other great spot) include:

– Baco
– Bat Haus
– Brooklyn Winery
– Deity
DUMBO Loft
Galapagos Art Space
Home/Made-Atelier Roquette
– The Green Building and its sister space, 501 Union
No. 7 
1 Knickerbocker
Powerhouse Arena
– Rustik Tavern
– Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
– Tuffet
Verboten

Plus a few more in Manhattan/Queens:
– Heartland Brewery
JPO Concepts
3 West Club
The Stanton Social
Water’s Edge

Caterers/Vendors:
Baked
The Big Day NY
Bartleby & Sage
Car Stereo (Wars) DJ
Department of Spectacular
QTG Events
The Raging Skillet
Roquette Catering
Scratch Weddings

There is also a google doc of vendors and venues who are helping displaced couples.

43 Responses

  1. Leslie Nilsson -

    We at Bartleby & Sage are here to help in any way possible — from creating discounted catering menus to helping you find a new space, to providing employment for Rebar staff (we have 40 + weddings coming up and can always use great kitchen and floor staff). All rebar staff — you are the amazing, dedicated kind of folks we keep on our team for a long time. Please contact me! Leslie@bartlebyandsage.com

    Reply
  2. Jesse Levitt -

    Hello, so sorry to hear about this whole mess!
    1 Knickerbocker in Bushwick would like to offer discounted event bookings for anyone who had an event planned at ReBar – we will do our best to accommodate dates and budgets to help out those who need to re-book on short notice.
    Contact: info@1Knickerbocker.net
    (347) 987-3751

    Reply
    • Jesse -

      Friends! Because we know a lot of people are still scrambling to make alternate plans for their weddings after the ReBar fiasco, 1 Knickerbocker is offering a free wedding for 1 couple.
      Email us at info@1knickerbocker.net by Saturday, May 31st, 2014 with your contact info, wedding date, and your unique wedding story!

      We can only give away 1 wedding package, but we are offering discounted rates for anyone who had booked at ReBar and needs a new venue.

      Winner will be selected and notified Monday, June 2.

      The winning couple will get the following package:

      – Up to 100 guests
      – day or night excluding Saturday night (some Saturday night dates are available, but we can’t guarantee these)
      – Ceremony + 4 hour reception
      – Exclusive use of venue during event
      – Limited open bar including wine, beer, signature cocktail, champagne toast
      – Buffet dinner
      – Full staffing
      – in-house PA system, stage, and dance floor
      – Furniture, tableware
      – 4 private bathrooms (incl. Wheelchair accessible)

      Reply
  3. Zara -

    Wow. We really all need to start eloping!
    Anyways I recently had to change the date of my wedding so I know that the Dumbo Loft is available on September 14th for any of you who looked into it earlier this year!

    Reply
  4. Jordan -

    We at Baked are truly saddened to hear of such a unfortunate situation. We are offering discounted cakes/desserts for any future wedding clients affected as well as a complimentary tastings before July 1st. Baked NYC is currently looking for baristas and a store manager at our Red Hook location.

    For wedding inquiries please contact Jordan@bakednyc.com
    For current job postings please contact Rachael@bakednyc.com

    Reply
  5. Monica -

    Hey All,
    My partner Leisah & I own Home/Made, a local Red Hook wine bar, and Roquette Catering a boutique events company that caters all over the city.
    This year we opened our own little venue, Atelier Roquette, a warehouse loft in Red Hook, that can accommodate up to 100 people.

    Because we’re new, we have many summer dates still open, so we’ve been meeting with ReBar couples all weekend, and will continue to all week.

    Being Sandy survivors, we are determined to work with our friends in the industry and help these couples find happy endings to this disaster.

    We’re really proud of how amazing the Brooklyn Wedding / Hospitality biz is being in supporting these couples, and we’re happy to do our part.

    Feel free to reach out if you’re a Rebar couple and need to find some creative solutions!

    Monica@roquettecatering.com

    Reply
  6. Mandy -

    I had my wedding at Bargemusic in DUMBO – it’s a beautiful, affordable, and unique space, plus the staff is wonderful! Most Friday & Saturday evenings they have concerts so this is more of a daytime wedding venue. Hoping they can be a good option for someone!

    Reply
  7. Rachel Bertoni -

    Hello! Heartland Brewery Restaurant Group has 8 venues throughout Manhattan, most of which offer private event spaces for up to 150 guests. Houston Hall, our indoor beer garden, can accommodate up to 300 guests and is a great spot for a unique rustic wedding. I personally am planning my own wedding and can only imagine the panic that some of these couples must be facing. We will do the best we can to accommodate dates and budgets to try and find new wedding homes for any couple in need. Please contact me for more information! rachel@heartlandbrewery.com 212-582-2057

    Reply
  8. Pica DeGallo -

    Wow- so sorry to all the down and out couples and employees! I work in the same building as Rebar and have been enjoying what amounts to a fire sale on their booze over the past few weeks. $2 beers, great happy hours & specials- one bartender told us the owner essentially told him to give away the stock. We appreciated it at the time, but in retrospect it was most likely a last ditch attempt for cash before the owner cut and run. What’s going through that guy’s head!?

    Reply
  9. AC -

    No 7 in Fort Greene picked up one of the weddings for this past Saturday the 10th. Please add to your list.

    Reply
  10. Beth -

    I don’t know if they can offer discounts, but Jalopy in Red Hook saved my wedding when a previous venue was shut down at the last minute. A very cool space, great bartenders, and magnificent, reasonably-proced catering. Give them a call!

    Reply
  11. Marisa MacLean -

    The Big Day NY is offering large discounts on all of our wedding planning packages for couples affected by ReBar’s abrupt closing. Want to help!

    Reply
  12. Darrin -

    Hi, I represent a new venue in Williamsburg. We have a full kitchen, on site Chef and two rooms that can be used independantly or together for up to 150 seated. We do have events scheduled every weekend that start at 11pm but if you are looking for space earlier in the day or night, I may be able to help and Im bringing the fees down as low as I can, especially for couples who have very little lead time to re-schedule. Its the perfect venue if you were looking for your wedding to be just a great party. Get in touch. darrin@verbotennewyork.com

    Reply
  13. Eva Boker -

    Scratch Weddings has the largest team of the best wedding DJs in NYC. We will help out all the couples affected by ReBar closing with significantly reduced rates for wedding DJs. Please email us at weddings@scratch.com or call us at 1-866-955-8580

    Reply
  14. Loyda Guzman -

    ​If you were effected by the Rebar close down and are looking for a last minute venue, QTG Events can help, we have several venues, private dining an catering that will meet your needs. We are extending a special discount to all those effected. Please feel free to call us at 718-622-4050 or email us at QTGEvents@gmail.com
    http://quimerianyc.com/​

    Reply
  15. The Department of Spectacular -

    We here at the Department of Spectacular are offering free venue searching services and steeply discounted planning rates for couples. Anything to help! We already have a few venues willing to help out.

    Reply
  16. Anthony -

    The link for The Stanton Social links to a different website. Can you fix this?

    Reply
  17. James -

    Might I suggest the displaced wedding parties (not to mention employees!) need some donated legal counsel perhaps more than they need an alternate venue suggestion?

    PS- What complete scumbag!

    Reply
  18. Chef Rossi -

    in 25 years of wedding catering this is the worst story i have heard of in my industry, shocking and disgusting..this is the most important day in people’s lives..their trust and their wallets and their hearts now broken
    i have been meeting non stop with rebar lovebirds who have been victimized

    we are offering huge discounts for rebar couples…and as much guidance and advice as you may need… we can’t take away your loss or your heart ache but can help you get back on track as best we can…keep the love flowing

    Reply
  19. mcmoonery -

    Just wanted to say that everyone offering assistance is warming the cockles of my stone cold heart. I hope that you all have lovely weddings, everyone gets a job, and the owner stubs his toe on every step of his life

    Reply
  20. Andrea Fischman -

    As a wedding photographer who has shot countless weddings at ReBar and know the stress of planning a wedding without this extra stress is already over the limit for anyone!

    With that in mind, I would be happy to offer discounted wedding photography packages to any couples who were displaced due to the disaster at ReBar and don’t have a wedding photographer yet.

    Hope this helps! Best, Andrea

    http://www.afischmanwedding.com
    andrea@afischmanwedding.com

    Reply
  21. The Living Room -

    We are an event space in Cold Spring, NY, just of the Metro North line. We have available dates and are willing to offer discounts for displaced rebar couples. Check out our website, coldspringlivingroom.com
    Thanks!

    Reply
  22. Betty Kalin -

    Betty Brooklyn Catering Co. has been saddened to hear about the clients displaced by the recent reBar scandal. We are offering a special delivery style package for those affected. Rates start at $45pp. Please inquire. betty@bettybrooklyn.com

    Reply
  23. Trish -

    That sucks that happened, so sorry. I Dj a lot of weddings and I know how frustrating it must be I can offer dj services at a really good discount to anyone who has been let down.

    Reply
  24. Andy -

    Wow! What a crazy situation. I am very sorry for the folks who have been mistreated in this way. It seems like there are many great people and places stepping up to help. We at Pete’s Candy Store may be able to provide a venue for a smaller event of 75 or less. We are not a wedding or catering venue but we have hosted about 10 small, very nice weddings, at prices that would probably be considered quite low. In addition, we have another smaller spot in Clinton Hill (Splitty) that could perhaps offer a cool solution. If you think you may want to discuss the possibility, please email info@splittyny.com. All the best.

    Reply
  25. Uchechi Kalu Jacobson -

    Hi Everyone,
    So sorry to hear about this. Please let us know how we can help. We’d like to offer free subscriptions to the wedding planning app my husband and I created, wedocracy.com, which is a collaborative social network to help couples plan their weddings with their guests. We built it for our own wedding (we had 4 months to plan it) so we know it can really help couples plan a fun wedding. As former Brooklynites we heard about this hellish situation and felt we could offer free subscriptions to couples affected by the ReBar closing. Please contact us via our website (wedocracy.com) and let us know how we can help.

    Thank you,
    Uchechi

    Reply
  26. Naturally Delicious -

    We are so sorry to hear about the situation for all of those couples impacted by the closing of Rebar. Naturally Delicious has worked at many amazing venues all over New York City and we would be happy to offer creative budget options and a variety of discounts to those now looking for new venues and catering for their wedding. We also have an incredible network of vendors that are willing to extend discounts to those affected by this closing. We were so sad to hear about all of the couples now having to start their planning again and would be more than happy to help them in any way we can. Loren Michelle, Owner, Naturally Delicious

    Reply
  27. Gran Electrica -

    We are devastated to hear this terrible news…all of those displaced employees and ripped-off couples, it’s such a shame. We are actively hiring and accepting resumes from ReBar staff, as well as wedding & event requests. We will do our best to accommodate all parties and former employees!
    most sincerely,
    the Gran Electrica team

    Reply
  28. Carly -

    Hi everyone! I am the Director of Catering for Mexicue, and our food truck would love to fill in for those of you in trouble! My philosophy is to offer great food and service at a reasonable price, as well as make things as easy as possible for clients who already have so much going on!

    We’re also in the process of looking for a new events manager, so if you worked for ReBar and are in need of a new job, please email me! carlykatz@mexicue.com

    Good luck, everyone!

    Reply
  29. George Ellis -

    Shocking news! Ramscale Studio (West Village Venue) is also here to help should anyone need it in the coming months/years.

    Reply
  30. Yasmin @1 Knickerbocker -

    Friends! Because we know a lot of people are still scrambling to make alternate plans for their weddings after the ReBar fiasco, 1 Knickerbocker is offering a free wedding for 1 couple.
    Email us at info@1knickerbocker.net by Saturday, May 31st, 2014 with your contact info, wedding date, and your unique wedding story!

    We can only give away 1 wedding package, but we are offering discounted rates for anyone who had booked at ReBar and needs a new venue.

    Winner will be selected and notified Monday, June 2.

    The winning couple will get the following package:

    – Up to 100 guests
    – day or night excluding Saturday night (some Saturday night dates are available, but we can’t guarantee these)
    – Ceremony + 4 hour reception
    – Exclusive use of venue during event
    – Limited open bar including wine, beer, signature cocktail, champagne toast
    – Buffet dinner
    – Full staffing
    – in-house PA system, stage, and dance floor
    – Furniture, tableware
    – 4 private bathrooms (incl. Wheelchair accessible)

    Reply
  31. Michael Halkias -

    Grand Prospect Hall is deeply saddened to hear about the couples who were displaced by the recent reBar closing. We would love to help and are asking any couples affected, to call 718-788-0777 or email us at info@grandprospect.com, to make an appointment. We would like to offer you available banquet ballrooms and discounted Wedding Packages.

    Reply
  32. DJ Neza -

    What happend to these couples is horrible. I am a professional DJ and would like to help out one couple with my services for free.

    Reply
  33. Bankruptcy Lawyer Los Angeles -

    Bankruptcy is something that, typically, does not just “pop” up on people and businesses! I feel for all those that have been left out in the cold by poor management! They deserve better. A wedding should be a special time in a family’s life, and this is just sad.

    Reply
  34. Katie Jones -

    I work at a letterpress and screenprinting studio called Park Slope Press, sister company of Gowanus Print Lab. If you’re still in need of lovely, handcrafted invitations, please do not hesitate to reach out.

    What a terrible thing to have happened, but I think it’s wonderful that we in the Brooklyn wedding community are gathering to do our best to help!

    Best,
    Katie Jones
    katie@gowanusprintlab.com /// 347.889.7822
    aparkslopepress.com

    Reply

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