The sudden closure of Chophouse Downtown in Cedar Rapids surprised many who enjoyed visiting the downtown Cedar Rapids restaurant. Another restaurant operated by the same owners, Mezcal Tequilla Kitchenhas also closed. Unfortunately, some former employees of the restaurants are still waiting for the paychecks they are owed.

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

Colette Clinton told CBS2 she is still waiting for the money she is owed. The single mother of three says she is waiting to buy clothes for her children and pay her car payments. Other former employees report similarly dire financial situations. Clinton says they did not deserve to be treated this way, 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 themselves have been facing other financial problems. Linn County court records show that 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 by CBS2 to contact the restaurant owners were unsuccessful.

Former employees of the two restaurants have set up a GoFundMe page to help people in financial difficulty.