Internet coupon buyers who purchased discount deals for Front Range Brew Tours have been whipped into a lather after the company left them high and dry waiting for tour guides who never showed at Denver’s Union Station.
The number of complaints from consumers who were stiffed by the Fort Collins-based company prompted the Better Business Bureau to issue a news release Wednesday as a warning to those who reserved and paid for tours to nowhere.
“What is so concerning to the BBB about this company is that they continue to offer and take payments on their website for these tours, while at the same time, consumers continue to complain that no one is showing up to provide this service,” said Dale Mingilton, president and CEO of the BBB serving Denver and Boulder.
The tour company, which touted guided visits to five craft breweries per trip, sold countless discount coupons on websites, including The Denver Post’s .
After receiving numerous complaints from buyers, Denver Daily Deals chief Shana Bastemeyer attempted to work with the Brew Tours company to get the situation resolved.
Front Range Brew Tours did fulfill some of the coupons sold by Denver Daily Deals but suddenly stopped and canceled tours without notice, Bastemeyer said. All tour coupon purchasers who contacted Denver Daily Deals were refunded their money.
Phone calls and e-mails to Brew Tours headquarters were not returned Wednesday.
The Better Business Bureau has requested a meeting with the business to discuss the complaints.
“The company has currently earned an F rating with the BBB,” said spokeswoman Megan Miller, whose agency has received complaints since June.
Cutler cuts losses.
Not only is Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler getting clobbered on the gridiron these days, the former Broncos quarterback also got sacked in the Colorado real estate market.
Cutler’s Parker spread, which has sat on the market since March 2009, sold recently for $1 million — half the original asking price.
Cutler put the 7,516-square- foot home on the market before he was traded because it was too big for a single guy living alone, according to a March 2009 story in The Denver Post.
Lofty goals.
HGTV, the home- and garden-improvement television network, is looking for Denver homeowners who have recently renovated a loft or condo or an unconventional building in downtown or the Highlands.
Homes chosen will be featured on the show “Bang for Your Buck,” hosted by designer Vern Yip and a local real estate expert who will determine how the renovations affected each home’s value.
The renovation they determine that got the biggest bang for its buck will win a grand prize. Deadline to request an application is Friday. Contact Sami Hartman, shartman@highnoontv.com or 303-872-8709. “Bang for Your Buck” is produced by Denver-based High Noon Entertainment.
Eavesdropping
on a man to a woman talking about the Diana Ross cake at The Corner Office after-concert party: “Do you think they ever cut that cake?”
“No, they just shellacked it.”
Penny Parker’s column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.
