YREKA, Calif. — A chain of Mexican restaurants spread throughout Northern California is back open on Thursday after being forced to shutter their doors Wednesday while law enforcement investigated the company.

In all, 14 Casa Ramos locations were closed down throughout the day between Sacramento and the Oregon border — including locations in Mt. Shasta and Yreka.

According to a manager at the Casa Ramos in Chico, the restaurants were closed as police served a flurry of search warrants. The closures happened so quickly that at least one Casa Ramos employee in Redding showed up for her scheduled shift.

Authorities have yet to confirm their motivations for the raids, but Casa Ramos released a statement on Thursday illuminating their side of the story.

According to the statement, Casa Ramos has been accused by a disgruntled former employee who reported the establishment of not reporting sales tax correctly. The charge is being investigated.

Despite the reports, all 14 establishments reopened during regular business hours on Thursday.

Read the full statement below:

We are pleased to announce that all our Casa Ramos restaurants will be open as usual today. We regret any inconvenience to our valued customers for the unexpected closing of the restaurants yesterday.

No one likes to air their personal business, but due to rumors and misinformation that can directly impact the business of Casa Ramos, we have been forced to come forward and address false accusations and fabrications. Casa Ramos has been accused, by a disgruntled former employee, of not reporting sales tax correctly. That charge is being investigated and will not affect our daily operations.

Marco Ramos, the founder our family business, died on June 23, 2015. Following his death, the business was operated by the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Her employment was terminated in 2016 due to the discovery of the numerous unethical business practices. We believe she instigated the current investigation. We have commenced civil proceedings against the former employee and look forward to the trial of those claims.

Thank you to all our hardworking families and friends that are a dedicated part of our team. And thank you to all of our loyal customers - we really appreciate each of you.

Kathi Rendon
Office Manager
Casa Ramos
Corporate Office