Bida Manda, Brewery Bhavana approved for PPP loans
Two months before allegations of workplace misconduct rocked two award-winning downtown Raleigh restaurants, the businesses were approved for federal Paycheck Protection Program loans.
Posted — UpdatedThe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan was designed by the Small Business Administration as an incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive loans provided that all employee retention criteria is met and the funds are used eligible expenses.
According to a search of the ProPublica database, which compiled a list of businesses that received federal loans of at least $150,000, both restaurants were approved for loans on April 15 from Pinnacle Bank.
Bida Manda LLC is listed as being granted between $150,000 to $350,000. Plenty LLC, the parent company of Brewery Bhavana, was granted a PPP loan between $350,000 and $1 million.
WRAL spoke with 14 former and current employees of the restaurants. Staff members said it was common for then co-owner Vansana "Van" Nolintha to engage in inappropriate relationships with younger male employees. Former employees also alleged sexual misconduct by beverage director Jordan Hester.
Following the allegations, Van Nolintha, who is Vanvisa's brother, stepped away from both restaurants, saying that he planned to no longer serve as a managing partner in the restaurants and divest his ownership.
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