Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
→End of Penko and Death
==End of Penko and Death==
Facing an economic downturn in the new century, Willenzik consolidated much of his business and let go about half of his employees, including several family members<ref name="forsale"/>, including nephew-in-law and salesman [[Richard Haller]] and niece [[Marcy Friedman]] by 2002. NephewSister-in-law and sister-in-law, [[Michael Friedman]] and Carla Willenzik also left the business at this time, but were not let go. to eventually retire In October [[2006]], the [[City of Pensacola]]'s [[Code Enforcement Board]] cited the Willenziks for code violations on their two properties. Oscar wrote to the ''[[Pensacola News Journal]]'' in response to the code citation:
{{cquote|I am still operating Oscar's Penko, Inc. as successor to Pensacola Restaurant Supply, at times unprofitably, primarily to avoid these buildings becoming vacant and being victims of vandalism and decay. [[Hurricane Ivan]] came and left its destruction, accompanied by a myriad of large problems never before experienced in our area during my lifetime. … We have already spent approximately $1,262,000 on repairs, and are in the process of entering into new written contacts, estimated to be in excess of $400,000, to complete this project. … Even Ivan, the most catastrophic hurricane to ever hit our area, and Father Time of 88 years can never take away the pride and love I have for these two buildings. It has been two years of frustration, perseverance and hard work. I hope there will be gratification in the end.<ref>"Building repair a priority downtown." ''Pensacola News Journal'', October 19, 2006.</ref>}}