Former Employees Protest on Night of Bridge Street Live's Season Opener

A handful of former Bridge Street Live employees and friends protested the establishment prior to its season-opening show Saturday.

At 7 p.m. Jon Greenwood of Collinsville and two other former employees, as well as some family and friends, stood across the street from the venue next to the town hall parking lot, holding signs such as “We Don’t Support Bridge Street Live” and “We the People Need Jobs.”

According to Greenwood, 10 employees who believed they had jobs when the venue reopened after closing for the winter found out just days ago through a third party that they would not be back. 

After sending an e-mail to owner Gary Cardillo on March 7, a response two days later confirmed he did not have a job, Greenwood said.

“He just cleaned house pretty much with no notice,” Greenwood said.

Those out of the jobs included a sous chef, a bartender and wait staff, according to Greenwood.

Cardillo confirmed some staff was not asked back but others were, he said.

The business has a new manager and some other changes, he said. It also looked at service and past performance, he said, adding that he did not fire anyone last fall despite some complaints from customers and some other issues.

When Bridge Street closed for the winter, Cardillo said he also expected that some of the employees would find other jobs and some even told him they were not coming back.

“I feel for everybody,” Cardillo said. “I’m trying to do what’s best for the business."

Moriah Hill, who said she also worked at Bridge Street last year, said in late December the group was told they would be back in the spring.

She and others did collect unemployment and she said she was holding off seeking other employment, looking forward to go back to Bridge Street. She also claims some of the employees did receive indication in January and February that they would be back.

Greenwood said he doesn’t know if the unemployment will continue and said he wanted to work at Bridge Street. He said he does realize that there's not much that can be done by the Department of Labor since the state has "at will" employment.

He said he fully supported the business and brought friends and family there. He said he worked about 20 hours a week and that the job helped him pay for college.

“I was really looking forward to going back to work,” he said.

Many cars did slow down as the group held signs across the street. Greenwood said he wanted to stay off Cardillo’s property and be respectful. He also maintains the employees did a good job.
While many cars did slow down and people looked at the signs Saturday night, Greenwood admitted many would likely not understand their message.

“I think it’s going to be difficult,” he said.

Cardillo maintained Saturday afternoon that he felt no sense of retaliation toward anybody but is looking to provide the best service at his business.

“My goal is not to hurt anybody,” he said. “I have to put the best face up front.”