The Emporium in Patchogue abruptly closed its doors Tuesday after nearly five years in business.
News 12 has learned West Babylon High School’s Class of 1990 planned on having their reunion at the club on Saturday. They tell News 12 that they paid the club $24,000 for the party and made their final deposit Monday, the day before the club closed.
The new owner of the Emporium didn't want to go on camera, but told News 12 off camera that even though he has no connection to the previous owner, he's actually looking at refunding some of the deposits - even though he doesn't have to - just to be a good neighbor.
The alumni group from West Babylon High School says they are pleased with the news but will believe it when they see it. The group has since found another venue for its event.
Former Emporium owner Tim Lorito tells News 12 that his staff had no idea about the closure plans and continued to collect money as usual.
In a statement he said, "I apologize for any inconvenience this closure has caused for those who had organized upcoming events... I hope that any issues can be resolved, and these events relocated."
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office has started an investigation.