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Cantwell's hits express lane to closure By JILL BRISKEY ASHLAND - The man who founded Cantwell's Market apparently brought about its demise Thursday night, leaving behind confused customers and frustrated employees. Only a handful of people are willing to talk about the situation. Shoppers crowded the aisles of Ashland's gourmet grocery store Friday afternoon after someone posted a "going out of business" sign on the front door. A handful of employees toiled over cash registers as the customer onslaught continued throughout the day. An estimated 35 workers will soon be unemployed - a fact store clerk Jennifer Chancellor blames on the market's founder, Tom Cantwell. "He came in (Thursday night) and emptied out the cash registers. He even took the checks," Chancellor said. "He skipped town. It's the last thing anybody needs right now." Attempts to contact Cantwell - who does not have a phone listing in Jackson County - were unsuccessful Friday. Chancellor, who has worked at the store for five years, said Tom Cantwell paid several employees in cash Thursday evening before emptying the tills. Chancellor said Cantwell had indicated he wanted to move to Florida prior to Thursday's visit to the store. Several employees said they were given the option of working under Associated Grocers, a wholesale supply company, until the store closes. A representative from Associated Grocers was on hand at Cantwell's Friday, but declined to comment about the agency's involvement. Attempts to contact a corporate office in Seattle were also unsuccessful. A store employee who appeared to be to be in charge Friday also said he would not comment on the situation. The man said Cantwell's would remain open until the inventory was sold. At least one local supplier said he has had trouble getting Cantwell's to pay him for months. "Years ago they used to send checks," said Guy Souerbry, who owns Ashland's Village Bakery. "But for months we've had to call for our money." Souerbry said he called the store about an outstanding $350 bill Friday, and had a woman answer him by snapping, "Get a lawyer and find Tom!" "I don't think I'll do that for $350," Souerbry said. At this point, Ashland police aren't looking for Cantwell either. "We're not investigating any criminal issues against Mr. Cantwell," Lt. Mike Bianca said. "There may be things that come to light later on, but right now that's not an issue." Tom Burt of Truckee, Calif., purchased the business from Cantwell in February 2000. Burt, who did not wish to talk about the situation, said he sold the business to Tom Cantwell's daughter, Danielle Cantwell, in September 2000. Since that time, store employees say, Tom Cantwell managed the business. "I was really surprised to hear about this," Ashland resident and Cantwell's regular Jeff Poirier said. "I'm hoping at least it will stay a local business." "It's pretty upsetting. He just closed the store and moved to Florida," said a male store employee who did not want to be identified. "He's hurt a lot of local people by his actions." Tom Cantwell opened two stores in Medford in 1997 and 1998, both of which closed in 1998 under a mountain of debt. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.