BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) — Two Binghamton restaurants, whose owners are part of an ongoing police investigation, reopened over the weekend. The Colonial and Stone Fox both served customers for the first time in over a month. A third restaurant, Dos Rios, updated its hours online.
All three restaurants share owners. Binghamton Police Captain Cory Minor said the department is still actively investigating some of the owners in response to an unnamed incident in late November.
Some on social media are accusing them of sexual assault. Residents protested outside the restaurants on multiple occasions, including a small group on New Year's Eve.
In a statement to WSKG, a spokesperson for the three restaurants said they will work to repair community trust.
“We trust the district attorney's office and the Binghamton Police Department to investigate these serious allegations,” the spokesperson said. “We will work vigilantly to restore the trust of the community while providing safe and enjoyable environments for our staff and patrons. We look forward to continuing to serve our vibrant downtown Binghamton community."
The restaurants’ management team declined to interview at this time.
A new management team is overseeing operations at the Colonial, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant on Friday. A law firm outside Broome County is advising them, and the restaurant is working with a human resources firm to address employees’ concerns.
“We condemn sexual violence in all forms,” the restaurant’s management wrote. “If any actions as of late have made you think differently - please know we are committed to changing your view because that is not who we are.”
More than 500 comments were left on the restaurant’s post, although only certain ones may be viewed. According to Facebook, the Colonial also limited who can comment on the post.