UPDATED: 12/10/21 — 10:32 A.M.
This story is developing and will continue to be updated with new information as it is released.
BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG)—Several Downtown Binghamton restaurants have closed until further notice after employees were accused online of sexual assault.
A statement posted to the Colonial’s Facebook page on Thursday described how its management “will not condone anyone making our establishments unsafe or causing harm to those around them.”
The post, since deleted, said the three establishments involved—The Colonial, Dos Rios Cantina and Stone Fox—will be closed until further notice while their management reviews the matter internally. The three restaurants share owners.
The individuals in question have been placed on leave, according to the restaurants’ statement. Officer Cory Minor, captain of detectives at the Binghamton Police Department, said no arrests have been made in relation to the allegations as of Friday morning. He would not comment further on the investigation.*
Accusations of sexual assault surfaced over social media this week. A Facebook group named “Boycotting Colonial, Dos Rios, Stone Fox, etc” launched Wednesday night and has since amassed more than 5,600 members.
Below is the text of the post from the restaurants as written:
"We are aware of, and seriously concerned by, the rumors that are circulating in our community alleging abhorrent activities at our restaurants. These allegations are deeply disturbing, and do not, in any way, reflect the values of our employees or corporate culture of our restaurants.
We are a large and diverse group of business owners, and we pride ourselves on bringing energy and vibrancy to the downtown Binghamton restaurant scene. It is important to remember that all three restaurants have unique ownership structures. We will not condone anyone making our establishments unsafe or causing harm to those around them.
At present, no one has been charged with a crime. However, the individuals in question have been placed on leave, and we will cooperate fully with any investigations. There is absolutely nothing more important to us than the safety of our employees and guests, and our complete focus is on providing them with a safe, enjoyable experience when visiting any of our three establishments.
We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness it deserves, and hope that the facts will be established in the near future. To that end, we will be closed until further notice while we review the matter internally and determine how we can safely resume operations. In the meantime, we sincerely appreciate your patience."
A protest in response to the accusations is planned for Saturday night in Downtown Binghamton, where all three restaurants are located.
*This story was updated to reflect new information from the Binghamton Police Department.