Comments on: LA WEIGHT LOSS: Texas Centers Reportedly Closing 9/26

By: Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:45:54 +0000

Malissa:
It’s your lucky day… and lucky for all New York residents.
NY has forced LA Weight Loss to repay $275,000 to its former members:
http://weightloss.franbest.com/2009/02/la-weight-loss-to-pay-refunds-to-new-york-members/

Here’s a link to Attorney General contact info:
http://www.franchisepick.com/resources/list-of-state-attorney-generals/

By: Malissa

Malissa — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:53:12 +0000

Does anyone know how to get our money back. I live in NY and they closed our stores over a year ago and refused all refund requests and stopped answering there phones. I know there was a setlement with bankruptcy court but thats all I know.

By: Ellen Domeiri

Ellen Domeiri — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:01:18 +0000

Thanks for the info on katzand the insightfull article.now lets take positive action! I have been advised by an Attorney that the most effective thing to do is to file a complaint with the Attorney General of Texas and the federal Trade comission. Our job is to get many complaint to them as possible as soon as possible.They are obliged to take fraud cases if they have enough complaints. The only cost to you is the time it takes to make the complaint. the phone # for the Ag of Texas consumer protection office is 512 463 2070 federal trade comission # 512 916 5025 or google their websites to make complaint. please pass this info to any one youknow client or employee that has been ripped off by this company. #

By: Former Client

Former Client — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:47:34 +0000

215-364-0400 Not sure if this will help anyone or not, but here is the DIRECT line phone number for the offices of Harold Katz, owner of LA Weight Loss Franchise Company Inc, the the top guy of all LA operations WORLDWIDE!!, hiding under the guise of http://www.katzgroup.com. Go to that website for his address as well. It’s very interesting if you read the profile if Mr Katz – no mention that he owns and operates the LA Weight Loss Franchise Co Inc. I wonder why? – to try hiding from all of his angry customers, on his way to a new venture? with OUR money?? But the assests page does list Katz Group owning 100% of LA Weight Loss Franchise. Look him up online, started Nutri/System, built it up to a half billion dollar company, ran it into the ground, sold it, then started LA Weight Loss, with partner Vahan Karian, who split with Katz a few years back, then went BK with Pure Weight Loss last year (formally LA Weight Loss Centers Inc.) This phone number also reaches Brian Siegel, General Counsel, VP LA Weight Loss Franchise, and Mr Katz’s personal attorney for over 30 years. He might be a good guy to contact to try and get out money back before they BK like Pure did and we all get nothing (slim chance anyway, but it will at least make you feel better. This # is direct to their office! Might not get you anywhere, but it might make you feel better to complain a bit! Good Luck.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:36:58 +0000

Interesting article from a business research company about Harold Katz, current owner of LA Weight Loss Franchise Corporation.

http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history/Mi-Nu/NutriSystem-Inc.html

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:37:59 +0000

I don’t doubt it’s true. I’m just interested whether the information is based on facts or some third hand account from someone.

Is it coming from corporate employees? From franchise owners? From employees at franchised locations? I’m sure franchisees have different opinions about how to go about closing one of their locations versus one of the locations taken over by the Franchise Corporation.

Just curious to know if the information is based on facts versus speculation…regardless of whether it’s true and is actually happening.

By: rita j wilson

rita j wilson — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:31:21 +0000

This is true.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:31:30 +0000

What is this information about closing strategy based on? I don’t doubt that it’s true, but is this just speculation or is it based on verifiable information from franchisees, corporate employees or former employees?

By: Janie Adams

Janie Adams — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:53:55 +0000

They are slowly closing all corporate locations to avoid large refunds. They will start shifting clients to other centers further and further away from their house until clients quit. Then they will shut down that particular market. The strategy is this will be less refund than Pure and less liablility. This company is truly a scam.