ST JOHNS, Fla. — A Premier Outdoor USA customer is getting help with his outdoor kitchen after another business owner saw his story on First Coast News.
After paying about 70 percent of the nearly $13,000 purchase price, Jason White's outdoor kitchen is still not in his backyard. The St. Johns County Navy veteran signed a contract with Premier Outdoor USA on Philips Highway in Jacksonville in May of 2023.
"So, what we're doing is taking this to a lawyer and hopefully this case will be picked up and we're going to move forward with that," Jason White added.
The Ask Anthony team discovered White wasn't alone in his complaints. For several weeks, we've been speaking with customers who paid thousands for outdoor kitchens that were either damaged or didn't even work. Now, the Florida Attorney General's Office is investigating the company.
After White's story aired, Shaun Jackrel, the man in charge of Premier Outdoor USA, texted Anthony Austin that he would be willing to offer White a refund if there was a mutual agreement.
"I was offered a refund. Came with stipulations that we could not speak any disparaging language against Premier. Take down all our posts. I refuse to be silent. You're not going to silence me. I have a voice," White said.
Another business owner, who is also a veteran, saw White's story.
"Me and my wife actually met in the Army in 2004. Both combat veterans as well. Just something near and dear to our heart. Once we heard that, it was kind of a no brainer for us to try and want to step in to see what we can do," Brandon Shindler explained.
Brandon Shindler and his wife made the decision to build Jason White and his family, a brand-new outdoor kitchen, free of charge. But, there's a twist to this story.
The name of Shindler's company is Premier Outdoor Incorporated.
"Just because we got the same name doesn't mean we're brothers," Shindler responded.
He's familiar with Premier Outdoor USA. He says customers often get the two businesses confused.
"We've actually come up with a rebuttal template we use for google and Facebook reviews," Shindler said.
For White, it's humbling to receive this offer.
"To have this young man who is also a veteran contact us, tell us what he wants to do for us, absolutely no strings attached. My priority now is to share his information with the whole neighborhood," White added.
The Florida Attorney General's Office has received 19 complaints regarding Premier Outdoor USA. The consumer protection division has an active investigation.