Creditors and staff left in the dark as Golden Rock restaurant operator faces possible bankruptcy

ORANJESTAD — Multiple creditors and employees are seeking answers about the future of restaurant operations at Golden Rock Resort, following persistent reports of financial difficulties and a possible change of operator.

Those concerns have prompted suppliers on Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius, as well as employees at the resort and its restaurants, to contact BES-Reporter over the past few days. In conversations with directly involved parties, including creditors awaiting payment, uncertainty about outstanding obligations and the proposed changes has been a recurring concern.

The reports centre on Executive Horeca Group B.V., identified by sources as the operator associated with Breeze restaurant. The company, whose managing director is Tiaan Grobler, may seek bankruptcy while restaurant activities continue under a new arrangement involving resort owner Peter Barnhoorn. These accounts concern the restaurant operating company, not a bankruptcy of Golden Rock Resort itself.

According to sources, a sizeable group of suppliers could be affected by outstanding payments. Creditors are said to be awaiting formal written communication from the restaurant operator clarifying the situation, but had not received it at the time of publication.

Staff face uncertainty over pay and permits

Employees are concerned about outstanding overtime, accrued leave and other employment entitlements. Sources allege that staff could be asked to relinquish overtime and leave balances as a condition of employment under a new operator. Uncertainty also surrounds foreign workers whose contracts and work permits are tied to the existing company.

The lack of a formal explanation has fuelled concern about who would assume responsibility for existing obligations if operations change hands. Sources are not being named to protect their identities.

BES-Reporter has not yet independently verified the reported bankruptcy plans or proposed transfer conditions. Questions have been submitted to the resort on Tuesday, but no response had been received at the time of publication.