Rambo Nursery Closing

Chris Beytes

Georgia big-box grower Rambo Nursery, founded by Sam Rambo, but now owned by Andrew Heaner, will be closing this spring, according to a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) filing, which is required by law if you plan on laying off employees.

This WARN, dated January 29, states that “the management of Rambo 1 (aka the Company), is permanently closing its facilities and terminating the employment of its employees. The Company will be engaging in a mass layoff and termination of the employment of 135 employees effective beginning January 31, 2025. The Company will be permanently closing its facilities in Dallas, Georgia, and Cedartown, Georgia, in April or May 2025.”

Along with detailing the layoffs, the filing alleges a cause: “These job actions were necessitated due to unforeseen business circumstances. In particular, the Company was in the process of seeking a transaction whereby the business would be sold in a manner that would allow the business to maintain operations. These discussions have not led to such a transaction.”

Sad news for the business, which Sam founded in 1983 with one greenhouse producing annuals and perennials for local landscapers and retailers in his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. Sam grew it to a million square feet of greenhouse and 120 acres of outside production. He sold the business at the end of 2021 to the current owner, Andrew Heaner. However, there’s a court case in Cobb County, Georgia, filed April 1, 2024, in which Sam claims that he hasn’t been paid in full for the business.

No word yet on any bankruptcy proceedings or unsecured creditors who may be affected by the closing. GT