New Tavern to Open at Site of "The Colonial" in Binghamton

A once-bustling nightspot in downtown Binghamton could be springing back to life in the not-too-distant future.

Developer Mark Yonaty has signed a lease for the space that had been occupied by The Colonial at 56-58 Court Street.

The Colonial and an associated restaurant - Dos Rios Cantina - closed in April 2022.

Yonaty told WNBF News he wants to open an establishment that will be similar to The Colonial, although he said it will be "more of a sports bar."

The developer said he wants to "get downtown back to its vibrancy." He said the center city area is "just dead" as the result of a series of recent business closings.

Yonaty said the new business will be called Courtside Bar and Grill. He said he hopes the place can open by late summer or early fall.

On Thursday, property owner Yaron Kweller indicated he was pleased Yonaty is leasing the space. He said he admires Yonaty's "passion and vision" for downtown Binghamton.

The future of the space where Dos Rios had operated remains uncertain. Kweller said a "couple of prospective tenants" have expressed interest in the location but nothing has been finalized.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: [email protected] or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.