The Colonial, Dos Rios Restaurants Close, Citing Financial Issues

A pair of once-popular downtown Binghamton establishments have shut down operations as two members of their ownership group fight criminal charges.

The Colonial and Dos Rios Cantina - side-by-side businesses on Court Street - have been closed following a partners meeting. A third associated restaurant - The Stone Fox Bar & Pizza on Hawley Street - remains open.

Yaron Kweller and Jordan Rindgen - partners in The Colonial and Dos Rios - face felony charges in connection with an alleged incident that was said to have occurred in a building on Washington Street.

This is a statement released by the New York City firm Herald PR:

Yaron Kweller, a current partner in the restaurants, was not directly involved in the operations since December. At a Partners meeting this week, he did vote in favor of shutting down the restaurants as it became clear they were no longer financially solvent and did not have funds to cover payroll. A capital contribution was made to make sure all employees were paid.

The statement also said: "The story being told is not true. He (Kweller) maintains full innocence. He looks forward to the day the true facts come out in court not what has been shared and spread on social media."

A person who had made online reservations for Dos Rios for Friday evening was called that afternoon. The restaurant representative said the business was closed but implied that it might not be shut down permanently.

Yaron Kweller has been charged with rape and criminal sexual act. His brother, Leor Kweller of Brooklyn, has been charged with rape and sexual abuse.

Jordan Rindgen of Binghamton has been charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance, sexual abuse, criminal sexual act, criminal facilitation and unlawfully dealing with a child.All three men entered "not guilty" pleas when they were arraigned in Binghamton City Court on March 31.

The Colonial, Dos Rios and the Stone Fox closed for several days as word of the alleged incident circulated on social media. Several hundred people marched and participated in a downtown rally seeking justice in connection with the incident.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.