Follow up ...
Ok, so I took the advice on here and called the company, explained what happened and ... it basically rolled off as "gee, that's a shame, it sounds like my guys might have unplugged it and didn't tell me before I left."
I was hopeful for at least some sort of discussion, but it wasn't there.
A couple of thoughts on the matter ...
Generally speaking, it was a perfect storm of sorts ... the GC's laborers came in to get the old equipment out and likely unplugged the freezer for their tools. When the main work was done, they left and probably didn't remember even unplugging the thing, even with a label that says "do not unplug" on the box, as there is a switch in the outlet box (it's 3 outlets and a switch).
I've had some contractors come in and clean up very well, or label things as they were moved or touched, and in this case, there was not as much attention to detail.
To clarify some of what was in some of the posts, this did not happen "weeks ago," it was one week ... how often does one go into a chest freezer for bulk items a week before a major holiday? In our case, we didn't cook much knowing that we would be doing so for the holiday, so it was the first time we noticed. I guess one could argue that we were "stupid" for not ensuring that our appliance was still plugged in, but after 7 years of having no such issues with little children around, it didn't occur to us that 30yo's would do such a thing or not at least ask whether or not something was critical when they unplugged it.
The freezer was not moved (as one post discussed the circumstance).
For the post about "on first knowledge," I wanted to ask for information from those likely experienced with the issue first. I heard about it when my wife called yesterday. As soon I was home, I posted and we cleaned out the bad food. Maybe I'm naive there too, as it was after 5pm and I waited until the next business day rather than bother the guy after-hours ... I at least try to be polite.
With regard to "observing the work" posts ... I've read in the past where some contractors do not mind, but some hate being observed. I don't like people looking over my shoulder, so I tend to let "pros" be "pros." I guess that I'm naive there too.
With regard to the "I do my own jobs" or the "I watch every step my contractor makes," posts, I don't know what to say ... yeah, maybe you know every electrical code, housing code, and have the time to watch every step a guy takes and every move he makes, but for people who are hiring people because that is not our expertise, we expect that licensing and certifications and experience and referrals hedge that bet because we pay for that in the rates people charge. Otherwise, you're arguing against the industry to not trust any of them and to "do it yourself" (basically).
To benick ... yeah, I learned a lesson, but to suggest that I should have posted *before* something happened is just ridiculous. When I go to a mechanic, I don't ask "should I ask whether you'll put the car back together after your guys are done replacing the part that is not functioning properly?" It was a negligent issue on their part ... I work on networks, but if someone asks me to help with their home PC or network and I agree, I don't just go delete files off their system and then say, "tough sh*t, you should have told me not to do that" after the fact.
To that, I accept part of the blame as well. Apparenlty, I should have taken pictures before/after, checked that every piece of the room was back in its spot before/after, stood there watch every move the guys made and somehow have known that they installed the equipment properly, to code, and set it up to the optimal configuration.
I don't know ... somehow I think that most contractors do not want a homeowner looking over their shoulder every moment, asking about how/ why at every turn. But I guess that's what it takes.
Lesson learned ... I am eating the cost and am thankful for the replies. I will get a freezer therm for the future and look at things differently going forward.
Thank you.