Former Employees of Cedar Rapids Restaurants Still Without Pay

The sudden closure of Chophouse Downtown in Cedar Rapids surprised many who enjoyed frequenting the restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids. Another restaurant run by the same owners, Mezcal Tequilla Cocina, has also closed. Unfortunately, some former employees at the restaurants are still waiting for paychecks owed to them.

CBS2 reports that restaurant owners Joesph and Ryan Avila-Burillo announced the closures of both restaurants earlier this month. They cited local issues and economic challenges as reasons. In a Facebook statement that has since been removed, the owners cited parking issues, rising food costs, and an increase in the homeless population as reasons for their financial struggles. Some former employees are now speaking out as they wait for their final paychecks.

Colette Clinton told CBS2 she is still waiting for money owed to her. The single mother of three says that she is waiting to buy clothes for her kids and catch up on car payments. Other former employees report similar dire financial situations. Clinton says that they don't deserve to be treated like this, telling CBS2, "We were very hardworking employees. We were very loyal. We loved this place like it was our own."

CBS2 reports that the restaurant owners were facing other financial situations of their own. Linn County Court records show GreenState Credit Union is suing Ryan Avila-Burillo for unpaid overdraft fees. His husband Joesph has previous convictions in California for burglary and fraud. Attempts to contact the restaurant owners by CBS2 were not successful.

Former employees of the two restaurants have established a GoFundMe page to help those struggling financially.