Restaurants to Stay Open Despite Tax Evasion Charges

Despite tax evasion charges against the owners of , the restaurant plans to continue operating its five locations including the one in Bensalem.

According to PhillyBurbs, a release from the five owners explained the decision.

"Our five family restaurants continue to operate, providing excellent, affordable fresh food and outstanding service to our loyal customers whose support we greatly appreciate," the owners said. "We are honored to serve them, to provide numerous good jobs in the communities in which we do business, and look forward to doing so for years to come."

Last month, the owners were charged with conspiracy to commit tax evasion, and tax evasion, for allegedly constructing a long-running scheme to avoid paying millions of dollars in personal and employment taxes as related to their restaurant chain.

Charged were:

• Robert Mattei, 73, of Del Ray Beach, Florida
• Leo McGlynn, 52, of Swarthmore
• Brian Welsh, 48, of Springfield
• Joseph Donnelly, 49, of Springfield
• Elena Ruiz, 46, of Drexel Hill

“Owning your own business is part of the American dream. But with that dream comes responsibilities, including paying your fair share of federal taxes,” said United States Attorney Zane David Memeger when the charges were filed. “It is alleged that these defendants conspired to disregard their responsibilities, to the tune of over $15 million, so they could enrich themselves at the expense of all the hardworking Americans who follow the rules and pay their taxes.”

The owners apologized after the charges were announced.

“We deeply regret our misconduct and accept full and complete responsibility for our actions. We have been fully cooperative with the IRS to resolve these issues and have repaid all back taxes and penalties. We will continue to run each of our five restaurants in full compliance with the law,” they said.

“We wish to thank all of our employees, friends, and business partners for their continued support as we move forward. Because this matter is still in the court system, we can have no further comment on this matter at this time.”

Click here for the full story courtesy of PhillyBurbs.