COLUMBIA, S.C. — B-Mac’s Buffet opened in Harbison on Aug. 8 with hopes of becoming a new community gathering spot. Less than three weeks later, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, the restaurant abruptly shut its doors.

Now, former employees say they are not only out of work but are still waiting for their paychecks. Several workers said the closure came without warning.

Joanna Juarez, who worked as a server, said everything appeared normal during her last shift.

“I worked Monday. Yesterday was my day off. I worked Monday. I was doing a double. Everything seemed fine. There was no insinuation that we were gonna be closed,” Juarez said.

The shutdown also left some customers surprised, with diners showing up only to find the doors locked.

For employees, the sudden loss of income has meant tough choic

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