logo
Plumber re-clogs restaurant's pipes after dispute over unpaid bill

Plumber re-clogs restaurant's pipes after dispute over unpaid bill

Yahoo28-03-2025

A Thai restaurant and a plumbing company in Indiana are facing off after a plumber returned to re-clog a pipe over a disputed bill.
Jesse Sanders, Thai Bistro & Bar operations manager, told local news outlet WFIE that their Evansville restaurant recently called Heavrin Plumbing to un-clog a blocked grease trap. That first bill was $235. But the clog returned three days later, and Sanders called Heavrin Plumbing again.
After the second job, the new bill was $390 because the plumber returned on overtime, WFIE reports.
The restaurant said they were frustrated because the 'same drain clogged just days after being serviced' and it 'didn't feel right to be charged again.'
'We didn't refuse to pay—we just said we wouldn't pay on the spot, which we're allowed to do since we still had time under the payment terms,' the restaurant wrote in a statement on Facebook late Thursday.
The next day, Heavrin Plumbing returned and re-clogged the grease trap with a balloon, telling the restaurant they wouldn't remove it until the bill was paid, WFIE reported.
Heavrin Plumbing owner Joel Heavrin told WFIE the company doesn't offer warranties on drain cleaning.
'I don't have a magic wand I can wave and remove all the garbage and debris the drain line,' Heavrin said. 'What we can do is, we can snake it; we can make sure that it's open and working correctly. Which is what we did.'
Still, the resteraunt was baffled when the pipe was re-clogged.
'The following day we received a text message saying that he's on our property,' Sanders told the outlet. 'He put a balloon into our grease trap, and he's not going to remove it until we pay.'
The plumber told Sanders he would be leaving for the weekend in one hour, WFIE reports.
'If we were to leave the balloon in there, it would overflow the restaurant with water, dirty water from the grease trap,' Sanders added. 'Basically, we would've had to shut down.'
Heavrin told WFIE the restaurant had a history of paying late in the past. The restaurant disputed this claim in its statement on Facebook.
'We have paid all of our bills. We operate on NET 15 or NET 30 terms, meaning invoices are paid by their due dates—including the plumbing invoice (which is on a Net 15),' the restaurant's statement reads. 'Nothing is outstanding or past due. Nothing is overdue, and I'm more than willing to share proof if needed.'
Sanders called the police, asking them to mediate the situation, WFIE reports. The Evansville Police Department said these matters are typically decided in small claims court, but Heavrin said he didn't want to go that far.
'Frankly it was not worth me pursuing it in court,' he says. 'It was not worth my time, just wasn't worth it for me.'
Ultimately, the plumber removed the blockage and the restaurant paid the bill, but marked it as 'paid under protest.'
The restaurant stands by its actions.
'As a small business owner, I believe we had every right to question a charge that felt unnecessary,' the statement reads. 'We weren't trying to cause conflict—we were simply asking for fairness.'
The Independent has contacted Heavrin Plumbing and Thai Bistro & Bar for comment.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

LASR Q1 Earnings Call: Defense Growth Drives Results Amid Tariff Uncertainty
LASR Q1 Earnings Call: Defense Growth Drives Results Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Yahoo

time21 hours ago

  • Yahoo

LASR Q1 Earnings Call: Defense Growth Drives Results Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Laser company nLIGHT (NASDAQ:LASR) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street's expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 16% year on year to $51.67 million. On top of that, next quarter's revenue guidance ($56 million at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 11.7% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.04 per share was 78.7% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy LASR? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $51.67 million vs analyst estimates of $47.34 million (16% year-on-year growth, 9.1% beat) Adjusted EPS: -$0.04 vs analyst estimates of -$0.19 (78.7% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $116,000 vs analyst estimates of -$5.14 million (0.2% margin, significant beat) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $56 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $50.15 million EBITDA guidance for the full year is -$1.5 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of -$11.98 million Operating Margin: -18.6%, up from -33.1% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $871.6 million nLIGHT's first quarter results were shaped by continued momentum in the aerospace and defense segment, which management said accounted for over 60% of total sales, up sharply from the prior year. CEO Scott Keeney highlighted that growth was 'primarily driven by another quarter of record defense revenue,' with particular strength in directed energy laser programs. The ongoing HEL-TD program, a Department of Defense initiative for a one-megawatt high-energy laser, was a significant contributor to this performance. Keeney also pointed to stabilization in microfabrication operations as a factor supporting modest sequential improvement in commercial sales, though underlying demand in these markets remains challenged. Management emphasized the benefits of nLIGHT's vertical integration, which enables efficient production and delivery of high-power laser systems for defense customers. Looking ahead, nLIGHT's positive revenue outlook is anchored by management's expectation for continued expansion in aerospace and defense. Keeney stated, 'The solid start to the year combined with our growing pipeline of both directed energy programs and laser sensing opportunities gives me increased confidence that we can grow our revenue in aerospace and defense by at least 25% in 2025.' CFO Joe Corso outlined that further sequential growth is anticipated in the second quarter, while commercial segments are expected to remain weak. Management acknowledged uncertainty surrounding tariffs, especially regarding input costs in the commercial business, but does not forecast a significant negative impact to defense margins in the near term. The company's ability to shift production between U.S. and Thai facilities was cited as a mitigating factor. Management attributed first quarter results to a surge in defense product sales, progress on major U.S. and international programs, and operational flexibility in response to global trade developments. Defense sales acceleration: The defense business, particularly directed energy lasers for military applications, drove revenue growth, with management noting more than 50% year-over-year expansion in defense product sales. This was largely fueled by shipments for the HEL-TD high-energy laser program, which remains on track for completion in 2026. Pipeline expansion in laser sensing: The company reported that laser sensing products—used in missile guidance, range finding, and countermeasures—continue to gain traction. nLIGHT has bid on multiple new programs, increasing both the number and size of opportunities in this segment. U.S. and international program momentum: Management highlighted ongoing work supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, including the Golden Dome executive order and the Army's DEM SHORAD initiative. Internationally, nLIGHT continues to supply technology for Israel's Iron Beam system and is building a pipeline with foreign allies. Commercial market stabilization: While industrial and microfabrication markets remain soft, the company cited stabilization at its Thai contract manufacturer as a driver for sequential improvement in commercial sales. Management does not expect a near-term recovery in these markets. Tariff mitigation strategies: Management addressed heightened tariff risks, especially for commercial lasers with input costs from China. The company has shifted production away from Shanghai to the U.S. and Thailand, aiming to reduce direct tariff exposure. While short-term defense margins may fluctuate, management does not anticipate material long-term impact from tariffs on defense demand or profitability. nLIGHT's outlook is shaped by ongoing strength in defense programs, margin sensitivity to tariffs, and persistent softness in non-defense markets. Defense pipeline and program execution: Management expects continued sequential growth from defense contracts, citing high visibility on funded programs such as HEL-TD and DEM SHORAD. The pipeline of new opportunities, including classified and international projects, is expected to drive at least 25% revenue growth in aerospace and defense for the year. Tariff-related margin risk: While management believes tariff exposure is limited for defense products, they acknowledged potential headwinds for commercial gross margins if high tariffs on Chinese inputs persist or escalate. The company's ability to shift manufacturing to Thailand and the U.S. is expected to reduce, but not eliminate, risk. Commercial segment headwinds: Weak demand in industrial and microfabrication markets is expected to continue throughout the year. Management does not anticipate a near-term recovery and sees incremental risk from tariffs potentially affecting customer demand and material costs. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) execution against major defense programs and the pace of new contract wins, (2) gross margin trends as the company navigates shifting tariff policies, and (3) any evidence of stabilization or renewed growth in commercial and microfabrication markets. Progress on international defense contracts and the impact of manufacturing shifts will also be critical markers for nLIGHT's performance. nLIGHT currently trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 3.8×. At this valuation, is it a buy or sell post earnings? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free). The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

Atlanta bites: Tyde Tate Kitchen, Little Tart announce expansions
Atlanta bites: Tyde Tate Kitchen, Little Tart announce expansions

Axios

timea day ago

  • Axios

Atlanta bites: Tyde Tate Kitchen, Little Tart announce expansions

🍤 Tyde Tate Kitchen will open its third Atlanta location at The Krog District. The restaurant offers classic, comfort Thai dishes "with a blend of traditional family recipes and approachable, modern flavors," according to a news release from the Eastside Trail-adjacent complex. Tyde Tate 's two other locations are at Chattahoochee Food Works and in South Downtown. 🍗 Hooters has closed several of its locations, including its Downtown restaurant, 11 Alive reports. WSB reports at least three other Georgia locations were also shuttered. A search of Hooters' website shows its Mall of Georgia outpost is the only location active in the Peach State. The closures come a few months after the Atlanta-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to CNN. 🌯 Communidad Taqueria said they are close to opening in the old Highland Bakery space in the Old Fourth Ward. The restaurant said Wednesday on Instagram that it's waiting on the certificate of occupancy from the city of Atlanta. You can follow the taqueria's progress on Instagram. 🥐 Little Tart Bake Shop posted on Instagram that it will open another location next year in Candler Park. The popular pastry and sandwich shop already has a presence in Grant Park, Summerhill and Krog Street Market. 🍦 Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream opened another brick-and-mortar location earlier this week in Marietta. 🍽️ SocialBites Food Hub announced on its website that it's closed its Sandy Springs location. The venue offered a few fast-food restaurants where customers could order meals and eat in a communal setting.

Thailand's automotive market faces critical challenges amidst shifting regional landscape
Thailand's automotive market faces critical challenges amidst shifting regional landscape

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

Thailand's automotive market faces critical challenges amidst shifting regional landscape

Thailand's position in the ASEAN automotive landscape is facing increasing pressure as regional dynamics shift. The country experienced a staggering 26% YoY decline in Light Vehicle (LV) sales in 2024, and the outlook for 2025 remains bleak, with a further contraction of 7% YoY experienced in Q1 compared to an already depressed base during the same period in 2024, signaling continued weakness in domestic demand. Passenger Vehicles (PVs) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) both suffered downturns in Q1 2025, with the LCV segment particularly hard hit and dropping by a significant 13% YoY, largely due to the sluggish 1-ton Pickup Truck market. The PV segment showed a more modest decline of 5%, but still reflects broader consumer caution. In response to these challenges, the Thai government has implemented measures to guarantee hire purchase loans for Pickup Trucks, with applications open from April 1 to December 30, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance access to financing by mitigating risks for financial loan guarantees, thereby encouraging leasing firms to approve more loans particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to the Finance Ministry, the program aims to stimulate the purchase of over 6,250 new Pickup Trucks, which could help revitalize domestic sales. Notably, the policy focuses solely on Pickups— a segment that accounted for 47% of the country's LV sales in 2022 but 29% in 2024—with all models produced locally. However, this target represents only a small fraction of Thailand's annual vehicle sales, which totaled 566k units in 2024 and nearly 1 mn units in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the limited scope of the program may not be sufficient to drive substantial change in the overall industry. Additionally, high household debt, coupled with the prevailing economic climate, may deter consumers from taking on additional loans, even with government guarantees, potentially undermining the program's effectiveness. Although policy measures are in place, their impact has yet to materialize. Once the leading automotive market in ASEAN, Thailand has now slipped to the third largest as of 2024, trailing behind Indonesia and Malaysia. If favorable measures are not implemented and Vietnam maintains its positive momentum, Thailand could be overtaken and fall further behind to fourth place in 2025. Strong consumer demand, supportive government policies, and the emergence of domestic players like VinFast have propelled Vietnam's automotive sector forward. Following a slowdown in 2023, the country's sales have rebounded, supported by improvements in the economy, particularly in the property sector, which is recovering from the crisis that emerged in 2023. In Q1 2025, the Vietnamese market experienced remarkable growth of 53% compared to the same period last year, establishing itself as one of the region's most dynamic markets. In contrast, Thailand continues to face a series of economic headwinds, including high household debt, tightening credit conditions, and broader economic uncertainties. Compounding the challenge, several new vehicle launches have been delayed due to weak demand and cautious sentiment among OEMs, further limiting the market's ability to stimulate interest and dampening its short-term sales potential. Despite the contrasting trajectories, we remain cautious about the sales prospects for both Vietnam and Thailand for the remainder of the year. Our revised full-year 2025 forecast projects that Vietnam will achieve a record 512k units, while Thailand is expected to fall to a 15-year low of 555k units. The outlook scenarios for Thailand range from a pessimistic 519k units to a best-case of 571k units, while for Vietnam, the forecast spans from 489k units under the pessimistic scenario to 549k units in the most optimistic case. However, the projections for both markets remain subject to downside and upside risks stemming from ongoing global trade volatility, which could impact both demand and supply dynamics across the region. Nevertheless, despite subdued domestic sales, Thailand is poised to retain its status as ASEAN's largest automotive production hub and export base, with production expected to reach 1.39 mn units in 2025. However, it is important to note that this figure marks a decline from 1.47 mn units in 2024 and is significantly lower than the pre-pandemic production volumes of 1.99 mn units recorded in 2019. While short-term indicators present a mixed outlook, the automotive sector in Thailand possesses several strengths. Strategic policy support, particularly for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (xEVs), a recovery in key export markets, and ongoing investments in next-generation vehicle technologies are expected to stabilize the sector. These factors could facilitate a return to growth in the medium term and help maintain Thailand's competitive advantage within the ASEAN automotive market. Tanitta Tumrasvin, Manager, Southeast Asia Forecasting, GlobalData This article was first published on GlobalData's dedicated research platform, the . "Thailand's automotive market faces critical challenges amidst shifting regional landscape" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store