The liquidator of three recently closed Downlow Burger outlets says he is on standby to wind up three more and claims the franchisor is approaching migrants with scant business knowledge to become franchisees.
Pritesh Patel of Patel and Co was appointed to liquidate Downlow Ponsonby in October last year, at the request of its shareholders. Three months later he was approached to take on the liquidation of the Kohimarama site, then in May, the Kelston store.
Last year Newsroom reported on Downlow franchisor James Tucker’s $2.08 million debt to Inland Revenue and the Ministry for Social Development for unpaid taxes and Covid-19 wage subsidy payments. Tucker is also behind popular Auckland eatery Kohi Beach Eatery & Store and…