According to Google Maps, Pittsfield MA (1035 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201) is 1.5 hrs away from Avon/Simsbury: http://www.google.com/maps?.
A 6/10/11 telephone conversation to the Accounting Department with CFO Chris Spanks (858-874-1846x29) as suggested by the Pittsfield, MA store, advised that the corporate owner of these Dakota's franchises and The Sirloin Saloon has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on April 22, 2011 and gift cards purchased prior to that date can either be redeemed at one of the open stores (at least today) or a claim may be filed (Tanya sending claim form to home); Mr. Spanks suggested using the gift cards immediately, as no Bar Date has been set yet and no one is clear which way the Chapter 11 claims may go.
Dakota of Rocky Hill, CT is open, but not honoring the gift cards from the avon franchisee.
The affected Franchisee forwarded the court claim papers, noting at the end of page 2 that the deadline to file a complaint to determine dischargeability of certain debts is Tuesday, July 19, 2011. The address of the Bankruptcy Clerks Office indicated on the claim form is: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Suite 300, 550N West Fort St., Boise, ID 83724 (tel: 208-334-1074) and the name of the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court is Elizabeth A. Smith.
CFO Spanks had previously suggested the best way to take advantage of the coupons is to use them at one of the other Dakota's of the franchisee; I agree.