DENNIS MASON Franchise Complaints
Dennis Mason aka Dennis K. Mason, Denis Mason, Dennis Maason, Keith Samuels, Anthony Stewart, Franchise Ventures Inc. Franchises Unlimited Inc., franchise complaints, warnings OR praise and recommendations for Dennis K. Mason are welcome below.
In researching franchise disputes on complaint websites, franchise discussion boards and franchise lawsuit and court records, certain names seem to crop up again and again.
One of those names is that of a long-time, New Jersey – based franchise salesman and broker named Dennis K. Mason. Allegations seem to center around deceptive franchise sales techniques, including the use of illegal earnings claims, to sell high-risk, low-quality franchise opportunities doomed to fail.
We don’t know if these allegations are true or not. We invite your confirmation, rebuttal or opinions below on Dennis Mason or other franchise sales brokers.
Dennis Mason: New York Bagel Café Franchise Allegations
Most recently, franchise salesman Dennis Mason was named in a lawsuit from franchisees of New York Bagel Café & Deli. The franchisees claim that Dennis Mason understated the necessary investment costs and provided unrealistic and illegal earnings representations in order to induce them to buy New York Bagel Café & Deli franchise.
According to a story on NorthJersey.com:
The suit says that Dennis Mason told [the franchisees] that “franchised locations were earning $10,000 to $15,000 a week,” but their store earned only $4,200 to $4,900 a week.
New York Bagel provided a franchise disclosure document that said the cost of building a store would be $27,500 to $60,000, and the equipment would cost $22,000 to $38,000, the suit says. But it says the couple has so far spent $230,000 on the business, including $108,000 to build the store, and $55,000 on equipment.
The lawsuit also alleges that the franchise disclosure document used by Mason did not meet the required standards, was intentionally misleading, and did not disclose critical, required information, including Dennis Mason’s prior franchise lawsuit in connection with his sale of Java’s Brewin franchises.
Dennis Mason: Java’s Brewin Franchise Allegations
Dennis Mason was named in a lawsuit against Java’s Brewin Development. According to the complaint:
This lawsuit arises from the illicit scheme carried out by Java’s Brewin, Christopher Gregoris, and Dennis Mason, through which they extracted significant sums of money from Plaintiffs by employing fraud and deception to induce Plaintiffs into purchasing Java’s Brewin franchises in the state of New York… during a time that Java’s Brewin was not properly registered to offer or sell franchises within the state of New York…
The lawsuit alleged that Mason used deceptive tactics in the franchise sales process, including selling in New York without the required disclosures, which would have included company financials showing the franchisor’s “bleak” financial condition.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleged that Dennis Mason grossly understated the initial investment cost of building out a franchise location by more than $50,000 in order to close a franchise sale. The suit alleged that services promised by Dennis Mason, such as “expert” site selection assistance was never provided, resulting in numerous stores never getting open.
Dennis Mason: Franchises Unlimited, Inc. Allegations
MerchantCircle.com reviews of Mason’s Franchises Unlimited Inc. (18 Log Rd, Tabernacle, NJ 08088, 609-859-8686) were all negative, alleging that the New York Bagel Café franchise opportunity sold by Mason was a scam.
November 11, 2011 Janet in Millbury, MA wrote:
NEW YORK BAGEL CAFE & DELI
JOE SMITH AND DENNIS MASON CON PEOPLE…THEIR START UP FEES FOR BAGEL FRANCHISE ARE TOO LOW..MANY NEW YORK BAGEL CAFE & DELI RESTAURANTS CLOSED OR ARE CLOSING OR ARE STRUGGLING..BUYER BEWARE
August 12, 2011 David wrote:
DENNIS MASON STIFFED 200 PEOPLE OUT OF MILLIONS DOLLARS
Do not sign any franchise agreement with Dennis Mason or Joe Smith, NY BAGEL CAFE
June 17, 2011 by Sam wrote:
Dennis K. Mason, the owner is a scam artist who leads people to believe they are buying a franchise and he takes a down payment from them and disappears. He works along with a couple of other guys, one named Chris. He claims to sell NY Bagel Cafes, YoFresh Yogurt Cafes, Amazon Cafes and Hoagie stores. DO NOT give this man any money. SCAM ARTIST. He should be convicted and prosecuted.
A coffee website that reviewed a now-closed Java’s Brewin franchise location in Philadelphia contained this warning from Anonymous:
The people who committed this franchise fraud have also fraudulently sold Horn and Hardart franchises, Amazon Cafe franchises, Planet Hoagie franchises and Petrucci’s franchises…they set up these dummy businesses and then take the franchise fees and run. The franchisors are left with a poor product and lots of promises. Beware of Dennis Mason!!!
UnhappyFranchisee.com doesn’t know if these allegations are true or not, so we invite your comments, opinions, experiences, affirmations or rebuttals.
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH DENNIS MASON & FRANCHISES UNLIMITED, INC.? WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
Joseph Smith of NY Bagel Cafe emailed us this information to post:
“Dennis Mason was an outside broker that worked for us for a few months, and was terminated after his work history came to light The Franchisees claims were deemed unfounded and suite was dismissed… and this information should be posted on your site as well as the negitive items.. Thank You”
UPDATE: NY Bagel Cafe victim Janet Conlon suggested that I update this comment to make clear that Joseph Smith was, of course, not being honest about the infamous Dennis Mason not being the main franchise fee collector for NY Bagel Cafe. We are receiving increasing reports of Dennis Mason collecting franchise fees with the promise of either providing 100% funding or refunding fees. Many report that they did not get funding yet Joseph Smith and Dennis Mason refuse to give them back their money. Do NOT give money to these people. If you have, contact us at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com.
Read all about the NY Bagel Cafe franchise scheme, Joseph Smith and Dennis Mason here:
NY Bagel Café Franchise Scam Overview
There is a clear violation of the RICO statutes dating back to the 1990s. Frozen Desert Systems, Petrucci’s Water Ice, Planet Hoagie, Horn and Hardart, Amazon Cafe, NY Bagel, are some of the pattern – I am uncertain as to why the authorities in NJ and PA have failed to act. This is a 20 year scam – various front men, but all the partners connected….
Hi my name is Luigi. I met these people back in 2008. They promised me the world and at the end they got $35k of my money and a store never was opened. I got the run around during the process of this whole scheme and when it was time for me to ask for my money back they were out of business. Any suggestions on how to get my money back? I have a lawyer looking into this but any suggestions would really help. Thank You
I am talking about Java Brewing who took my money and Chris was my connection.
I am in NJ
Actually Dennis contacted me first, then Chris came later.
[NOTE: It appears that Chris Gregoris himself may have posted this comment as “nick.” We have asked Chris Gregoris not to post as a third party in future comments. ADMIN]
I have dealt with Chris directly on many occasions. Have never met Dennis. Chris sold me a franchise and did everything he told me he was going to do. I was shocked and disturbed when I found this on this site. I can only say positive things about him and how he runs his company. He rejected a few locations that I had picked out and explained to me why those locations didn’t make sense. Chris shoots straight from the hip and heart.
You have a contact for Chris?
Nick, your situation must be RARE and your experience with Chris deluisional at best. This guy is a SCAM ARTIST through and through! Dennis is Chris’ best friend, BTW. Now that Dennis’ name is connected to so many bad schemes, Chris is trying his hand at it and also using different spellings of his last name to throw people off. His recent adventure is called “Poppin’ Kettle”. As for it’s location..it couldn’t be in a worse location! He chose a Mall in NH that doesn’t get enough foot traffic and his business is failing since it opened! I am hard pressed to believe he is capable of finding anyone the “right location” since he can’t figure it out for himself! He is also using a trademark symbol on his logo and the logo approval has not been finailized. I don’t suspect this business will be open much longer. Chris also has a LONG history of scamming right along side of Dennis. I am sure Dennis was his mentor, if not he has been Chris’ sheild!! I’m happy to hear your business is doing well Nick, no doubt more of a credit to you than anyone else. their ideas are great, but their business practices are NOT.
Lugi…here is Chris’ number: [redacted]. good luck!
I also paid for a Javas Brewin and lost $35K. Chris and Dennis are criminals. After a couple months they both disappeared. I remember reading somewhere that Dennis filed for bankruptcy. Nick, I would really love to know where your Javas Brewin is located because quite frankly I think you’re either Chris or Dennis or full of c.r.a.p.
Joe Smith and Dennis Mason scammed me out of thousands of dollars. Joe Smith was aware of Dennis’s schemes and I on many many occasions sent via certified mail and called Joe Smith and he refused to call me back. Joe Smith ignored me after I gave Joe Smith $25,000.00 dollars. Joe Smith was in on the Scam more than Dennis Mason. Joe Smith is a thief. I signed the franchise agreement with Joe Smith…Why wouldn’t he continue to deal with me since I was trying to establish my New York Bagel Deli? I still have a valid franchise agreement with Joe Smith and till this day he continues to refuse to communicate with me. Joe Smith took my money and ran. I have consulted with three attorney’s in Massachusetts and they all said I do have a lawsuit but am I willing to spend an additional $25,000.00 in litigation expenses.
Well you may wanna check Chris Gregoris. He is another scam artist that worked with Dennis Mason. I am also looking to get everyone that was scammed by these crooks and file a class action suit against there new businesses and any personal assets they have. All of us victims need to come together and see justice served. I have an attorney that will represent us but I need all the people that had there money taken such as you. Please give the administrator of these web site your information so I can add you to the list.
Whatever Joe Smith said is complete BS. Him and Dennis Mason set my mother up with a few of “their” banks to help us get a loan. My mother called these people over and over and never got a response. Once we had trouble finding a loan, they shut down communication with us. Blocked our emails, wouldn’t return our phone calls. YOU KNOW YOU’RE A SCAM ARTIST JOE, JUST ADMIT IT.
I bought into New York Bagel Cafe & Deli. Joe Smith is now New York Bagel Cafe & Deli Corporate. Do not buy a franchise with New York Bagel Cafe & Deli Corporate. Also on Facebook Joe Smith’s personal page is Joe Bagels. He has a photo of a sports car that he painted GOLD. I guess that is where my $25,000 thousand dollars went. Also, I talked to alot of people that Dennis Mason scammed through Javin Brew that were from Pennslyvania. I know of one couple from Lancaster that were scammed out of $100,000 dollars from Dennis Mason. I also contacted the New York Bagel Cafe in Westchester, Pa. to warn them. There are about 20 people that have contacted me. Joe Smith scammed at least 25 people that I know of. I will leave my information on the web site. Thanks for adding me to the lawsuit. I don’t expect to recover any of my monies. I swallowed the 25K lost and moved on financially but I know of many many people who lost way more than me. Joe Smith is still out their scamming people. I have a question for Joe Smith. If Joe Smith removed himself from Dennis Mason, then why won’t he contact me. At least give me back half my money. Because he won’t call me tells me that he is still out Scamming innocent people…BEWARE OF JOE SMITH, NEW YORK BAGEL CAFE & DELI CORPORATE.
I was promised a Javas Brewin Franchise. My first point of contact was Dennis Mason then later a fellow name Chris Gregoris. I gave Chris a $34,500 check and after months of the run around they both never returned my calls. There new thing is Yo Fresh Yogurt and Poppin Kettle. I am looking to get my money back and the more victims I can find the better chance there is of getting this resolved.
Please provide a contact number franchise scam as I too need to be involved in that lawsuit
[You can send your contact info to unhappyfranchisee[at]gmail.com for forwarding. We don’t allow posting of personal contact information publicly. Thanks. ADMIN]
This forum is growing. I bet there are many victims still out there
Joe Smith can say Mason was an outside broker all he wants.
However Joe Smith is responsible for any agent selling franchises for him.
Joe Smith may want to bone up a bit on franchise law.
So if you were deceived by Mason in buying a NY Bagel Cafe franchise you should sue both Mason and Joe Smith.
And to Joe maybe this franchise thing isn’t for you?
I want to be added to any suit that’s being filed as I’m also a victim in their franchise scam.
Well, don’t take a chance with your monies. Dennis Mason guaranteed me locations, and quoted, each franchisee owner(s). has a minimum net profit of $12,000 a month. in the first year of opening their location(s). Increasingly, due to Franchise support. ( Highly Unlikely). It appeared, they closed more Franchises then opened.
Apparently, this was not the case. Not only did he mislead, distort and/or fabricate the numbers, the site locations, never materialized.
I notified their real estate broker for a month and a half before a call was returned or acknowledged. Thus, trying to place me in a failing location just to make a commission.
A frustrating and financial disaster, then I placed several calls out to Mr. Chris Gregoris ( CEO) of Java Brewing all he would quote…these things take time!
Wait, your agent, Dennis Mason quoted in front of me and my family there were twelve sites ready to go in my specific geographic locations.. quote,(s). OH! Mr. Dennis Mason must have misunderstood me. Are you kidding me!
At most, their site team of trainers knowledge of food safety and handling were the poorest professional(s) in our time. Then, Mr. Mason, runs straight for Bankruptcy Court after the litigation ladder exploded.
I’m an instructor and Proctor for ServSafe and various National Food Associations so what are you doing? do you TRAINER(S) make this stuff up as you go or what??
Misery, Deception Distortion of facts at its best. Where’s the Security and Exchange Commission and the Attorney General???
So, in closing I hope you really needed the money because I did contact other Franchise owner(s). and the experience was not good.
Shame on Prosperity at times. But please send out all your investors the
Company [s] annual revenue chart growth for the past five calendar years. And don’t omit the geographic location[s].
Yes indeed, I wish to join the litigation process.
He completely misrepresented his identity to me in signing my deal for a yofresh cafe acting as an agent of chris gregorius. They misrepresented and gave me earning numbers that I could no way earn. These guys need to decommissioned at all cost.
Does anyone know Keith Samuels from New York bagel deli & cafe ???
All are these allegation true about NY bagel deli&cafe ?
Danny:
Several people have told us that there is no Keith Samuels, that it’s just a pseudonym for Dennis Mason. Dennis also goes by the name Ken Mason, and “Mr. Malinsky” (We believe) in recent YoFresh Yogurt ads.
Dan:
Use the pull-down directory in the right sidebar (Search by Company) to find our posts on NY Bagel Cafe & Deli:
http://www.unhappyfranchisee.com/category/franchisor/ny-bagel-cafe/
NY Bagel Joe Smith says we’ve posted lies and inaccuracies but refuses to say what the lies or inaccuracies are, or provide us with his version of things. One thing is pretty clear – NY Bagel Cafe has an extremely high failure rate:
http://www.unhappyfranchisee.com/ny-bagel-cafe-franchise-many-closed/
I suggest you make a list of concerns and allegations made both by our site and the commenters, and do your own research. Please come back and tell us what you find. If we are incorrect, we’d like to fix it.
Also, be sure you retain an experienced franchisee attorney to review the deal and documents before you buy any franchise. We can help refer you to one in your state.
I’d love to get a first name on mr malinksy so I can try to perform a background check. I wonder if chris would be so nice in forwarding that information.
Isn’t it illegal to go by another name that isn’t legal? It sounds like Dennis Mason is going by fictitious names so he can cover his bloody trail.
These guys are so crooked they have trouble walking straight
I believe franchise sellers who are as involved with concepts to the extent Dennis Mason is should be disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document. It should include their backgrounds, previous positions and companies, and litigation.
I’ve recieved your cease and desist lawyer notification and was actually expecting filed papers. Anyone doing busines is cautioned to do due intelligence before engaging in any business with this man. 48 hours will and go and my comments will not be retracted. I have called stores to ask about their experience with you, if I hadn’t done so we wouldn’t have found out the closed storrs you had listed open. I’m also responsible for the unearthing the poppin kettle nh store being closed when you insisted it was open. I’m your concience chris and you should thank me. I cannot buy me out as I see interest in protecting the public from your scheme. Other individuals have children to feed and I hope you see how yofresh might get in the way. I’ve watched the three stores close next yofresh livingston close in about 3 month. My questions to Chris Gregoris did you not have stores open that were closed and how many? Can you see how people can construe that as misleading? Do you not work with mr mallinsky aka ken mason aka dennis mason aka keith samuels aka mr malinsky? Do you think it reasonable for someone to sell a franchise using ficticious names? Is your business highly suspicious because it’s being sold by fictitious characters? Did your poppin kettle store in nh not close? Did you not try to sell it before it closed? what was the reason that premiere poppin kettle closed? How many yofresh have closed? Whats the resale value on a yofresh yogurt cafe? Have you not worked with java brewin? Have you not been accused of unreturned franchise fees? Have you not been in legal rambling with the state of connecticut for selling franchises without being licensed to do so? Let me know if there’s any of these questions you’d like to answer, cant make you out to be anything but the person you are, chris any conclusion one draws is from your actions. You told me you can ruin my life and you’re late because yofresh and Dennis mason has already done. I look forward to our court matter so we can get some answers to these questions answered publicly. My postings have been consistent chris and there has been holes in your statements.
Yofresh has over a 50% fail rate in nj. Should you be franchising this business. chris? I know you blame the franchisees like me and using words like lazy. I arrive by that number with yofresh so plainfield being currently “closed for the winter”. The number is disconnected so I’ll be checking for the reopen. In 2013 You had yofresh livingston, yofresh roseland, yofresh so amboy, and fairfield close. I dont know how you can franchise this concept with such a horrible track record.
I really need advice on how to get Joe and Dennis. They took from me almost 10 grand and I cant get it back. Also Dennis told me that you will have a store that will open up for sure but nothing every happened. So please comment for advice.
they r a bunch of liars
they r a bunch of liars joe and dennis
Chrissssssss! It has come to my attention that yofresh san antonio is closed, yofresh cypress is closing in april and yofresh woodland tx has a non working number do you also want to call out these franchisees as lazy? also, It’s quite possible Your failed concept has left them in financial ruins with the lease and also the machines etc. Are you guys just plain heartless or just decide to leave the stench of destruction as you go along? You sent some constable to my house to serve me papers i’m still waiting on that lawsuit. As I have told you in private and public you cant buy me out and I will be following you, yasir and Dennis forever to warn people of your business practices. Its time to again update that list of stores and im sure you didnt know they were closed.
There’s a yofresh open in Brooklyn sunset park and I was of the impression Chris is not allowed to open a store in NYC. Anyone with insight into this situation please check into this matter and if in violation notify the proper authorities.
IM SENDING OUT THE LETTER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NEW YORK TODAY AND ALSO I FOUND OUT YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO FRANCHISE IN ILLINOIS. I WILL BE ALSO SENDING A LETTER TO THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL WHERE YOU HAVE TWO OPEN STORES AND ONE UNDER CONSTRUCTION. I WILL BE SENDING A COPY OF THE LETTER TO THE MODERATOR OF THIS FORUM. I’LL OVER TURN EVERY ROCK YOU HIDE UNDER AND MAKE IT SO HOT THE DEVIL WONT STAND NEXT TO YOU
This is there number they currently running an ad on Craigslist I was looking in to one of the stores in Middletown nj I went and luck the guy said all good things here is his number for who ever wants it [redacted]
good afternoon! if I may knock my two cents in…JAVA BREWIN IS A TOTAL SCAM. I ALSO DEALT WITH CHRIS GREGORIS AND DENNIS MASON. THEY TOOK $25000. FROM ME IN 2006. THEY SAW MY FRANCHISE ONCE AND THEY DISSAPEARD. THE FBI CONTACTED ME A YEAR LATER AND TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE DOING AN INVESTIGATION ON THEM, I HAVE YET TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM. I STILL HAVE THEIR PHONE NUMBERS HOWEVER I DONT THINK THEY ARE NO LONGER IN SERVICE. I ALSO TRIED SUIING THEM , HOWEVER BECAUSE THEY WERE OUT OF STATE I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO SO. IM IN NEW JERSEY. IF AND WHEN THERE IS A LAWSUIT…PLEASE ADD ME TO THE LIST. THANK YOU. BY THE WAY,..SINCE THEN I LOST MY BUISNESS AND MY MONEY
I also received some solicitation from Dennis Mason using a gmail account after I received his email I went online and simply searched his name to come across this website, I then sent him an email pointing out these complains, I dont think I would take a franchise from this guys even it was free.
thank you all for sharing, it saved me a headache
Before I took the fight to these guys No one had anyway of tracking what these guys were up to and able to link them to the different franchise schemes. It’s important for those that feel they’ve been bamboozled by this team to tell their stories and share the word to ensure this doesn’t happen to other unsuspecting families. I have not been as aggressive as I was in the beginning but seeing the people that got saved from this franchise headache might renew my drive. Last time i spoke with Chris he told me i was costing him tons of money but i see it as saving families from him. Yofresh seems to have a year lifespan for the most part and with a 250k build and being on a 5-10 year lease that’s capable of destroying lives. People need to understand Chris cares nothing about franchisees and that became most evident in the Perth Amboy store which I provided pics to the moderator. Let’s stand as one against this man and his chronies!!
Anyone who would like to share their experiences with these companies or salespeople can email ADMIN in confidence to UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com.
I do not know where to begin…I do not even have the energy to type about the heart ache and destruction these guys have caused me and my family. I went ‘all-in’ so to speak on your failing concept. It was designed to fail…you simply just wanted my money. You took the life out of me guys, you have no idea. You read a very nice poem to your franchisees, get us warm and cuddly and then rip out our spirit and souls.
Thank you for the pain you have caused me and I truly hope no one has to endure this same suffering and disappointment. I guess you can say I am the one to blame. I should have done more research, I should have not been so malleable and gullible. But, I am a man of faith and I had faith in you guys, your concept, and most importantly your ethics. But, as much I am a man of faith and preach forgiveness; I seriously do not have an out of compassion or forgiveness in my heart for you.
A year later…300k cash wasted, savings wiped out, debt compiled, a divorce, foreclosure, my son is joining the air-force because I cannot afford his tuition, anti-depressants, and suicidal thoughts…
DO NOT BE ME! That’s all I have to say.
Oh…
and one more thing…
GO FK YOURSELVES!!! (coming from a Christian man)
I have been reading through all of these articles about Chris and his associates on this website that date as far back as 2008 and I seriously wish did more research before going on this wild ride. My LIFE would have been much better had I done just one google search before cutting them a check. Thank you for your extensive work on exposing these guys for what they truly are Yostink. I have been reading your posts and articles and I support you and your efforts. You are a better man than me to have the courage to fight and stand up to these criminals. I salute you young man and I encourage you to keep up the good work and speak for people like me, whose soul has been broken and do not have the will, passion or motivation to stand up and fight. You truly do inspire me and I hope people that come across this forum take your posts seriously. I urge any and everyone to please STAY AWAY! You will be going on a ride that is pre-designed or pre-destined to hit a brick wall. TRUST ME… I was one of their crash dummies!!!
Hi I was scammed by NY Bagel by Dennis Mason and Joe. I am trying to get my money back. I won the case against but I need help to collect to money. If you guys have any suggestions please let me know.
Moe, and everyone else—-recently saw their add and immediately I called, filled out the application, and met with dennis mason on april 21 in the Middletown, nj store. fortunately I did not jump on the “opportunity”, my instincts never fail me. went home and went online and searched ny bagel scams. I actually have him thinking that i’m still interested in the franchise and he’s bending backwards accommodating the contract in my favor, but he’ll see a penny from me. I have a “for now current phone number” if anyone is interested ( am I allowed to post it here?).
These guys have some compelling franchise ads on Craigslist.
From Dennis Mason’s Craig’s List ads:
“Additionally, we are now introducing our “Master Point Store Program in the Harrisburg areas.” Allow us to meet new prospective Franchisees at your NY Bagel Cafe & Deli store to offer new franchises and we’ll pay you a part of every Franchise Fee received and on every new franchise sold. NO SELLING. We do all the work. Last month we gave one of our current Franchisees three (3) checks. Also, allow us to use your NY Bagel Café & Deli store for a 5 day pre-training program in your store and we’ll pay you an additional $2,000.00 on every Franchisee trained.”
Other ads have listed $3K to $7K commissions to franchisees for helping them reel in new
victimsfranchiseesThey offered to pay me also at my yofresh for franchisees coming through and signing on but I got no check. I just feel great when people are spared this nightmare that are Chris and Dennis mason. I was In a a store and the owner told me he knows Yasir and was interested in opening a yofresh until I filled him on their operation and my experience. I got my hands all over your pocket Chris!!!
Thank God this information is out there! They almost got my money. Red flags should have been advertising on Craigslist, application in a .jpeg format and promising the world! When it sounds too good to be true…