Todd Colletti Former Colorado Buffalo Exchange Employees File Lawsuit Against Co-Founder, Parent Companies Abby Schirmacher May 12, 2021 This week, a lawsuit was filed by ex-employees and. Colletti also allegedly did a lot of cocaine both while the store was open and after hours, the lawsuit said. Not for the "stupid price" of $150 an acre foot. That support is how she hopes to win again. All three of the Colorado stores, located at 51 Broadway and 226 E. 13th Ave. in Denver, and 1813 Pearl St. in Boulder, closed July 28 until further notice. This interview format conversation will be led by Denvers very own Rabbi Emily Hyatt live and in-person from the floor at Ball Arena. He saved the compliments for when I was drunk. September 1, 2020 / 5:58 PM The Denver Police Department (DPD) said their sexual assault unit investigated the accusations and presented their findings to the Denver District Attorney's Office, and that the case was closed without an arrest. Still on the clock, 100% drinking on the job," Nichols said. Todd twisted things so it seemed like the quickest way to get into the inner circle was by getting assaulted, she said. Once the doors opened to Little Finch, it became clear that the rebirth of 16th Street Mall was in full swing. Whether youre in the bar bathroom for a split second, washing your hands, checking your hair and makeup or making friends with the strangers in line, theres nothing more unique than a bar with a decked-out latrine. . Join the Westword community and help support The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Alyssa Detert, Alex Myers, Amanda Pruess and Clara Pruess, all of Denver. Four former employees of Buffalo Exchange filed a civil lawsuit in Denver District Court Tuesday claiming the former co-owner and co-founder of Buffalo Exchange Colorado, Todd Colletti, harassed and sexually assaulted them and that the parent company did nothing to protect or aid employees after multiple complaints were made over several years. Link in bio to read more about the new Twist and Shout owner, Patrick Brown! The Mile High Reddit! Nicholson has covered a variety of beats including suburbs, courts, crime and general assignment. "If we were closing up the shop, we would all get a PBR, we would all be drinking beer as we were closing up the shop. The only cost to join is 48 hours of sobriety. . This is no ones fault except for Todd and the people in power that enabled him.. Most of the people that the company hired were young and fairly new to the workforce and didnt have a realistic idea of what a professional work environment was, she said. The Colorado Sun is a journalist-owned, award-winning news outlet based in Denver that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state our community can better understand itself. When I acted awkward the next day, he labeled me prude. Those three stores appear to be registered under the Tatanka umbrella. The defendants listed in the complaint are Colletti, Buffalo Exchange, Colletti's business partners -- Justin Van Houten, Victor Cortes and Katherine Plache -- and three franchise companies operated by Colletti and his partners. Thats when I realized how often he assaulted other people, too. From dance parties and yoga, to meetups in the park and SO MUCH MORE. Denverite is powered by you. According to the suit, Colletti converted the basement of the Broadway store into a bar where he hosted parties at which alcohol and cocaine were available, and that he did cocaine at the parties and while the store was open. Clara reported her sisters assault to corporate, but the sisters say the person she spoke to told her there was nothing Buffalo Exchange could do. According to a press release from, , the victims who shared their stories seek damages including economic restitution and compensation to make up for harms and injuries like mental pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation and impairment of quality of life.. Her passion for creating quality eats in a fast-casual, grab-and-go setting is evident in her newest installation. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Their experiences are devastating. Plaintiffs say local branch owner Todd Colletti sexually assaulted and harassed them, and that corporate and regional owners aided and abetted his abuse. Looking for friends that are interested in enjoying social and active events sober in and around the Denver area? We were not the employer of any of the individuals asserting claims.. So we rode for 20 hours and talked to people who do that. The lawsuit claims that between 2015 and 2018, Colletti repeatedly sexually assaulted one of his female employees. A man who was investigated by Denver police on sexual assault allegations will not face criminal charges. Colletti has not been charged with a crime, according to court records. The company was said to be aware of Collettis actions as these events were unfolding, yet silenced the employees who spoke up about the abuse. Heres a list of our favorite unique and hypnotic decorated bar bathrooms in Denver. Colletti would take advantage of and exploit employees during emotionally vulnerable moments, the lawsuit claims. Whatever it was that you needed, he would give it to you and it was free. The candidate's team flyered cars with "All Votes Matter" ads at a predominantly white organization and flyered cars with "Black Votes Matter" ads at a historically Black church, Anderson said. Lebsack expressed the importance of holding Buffalo Exchange in its entirety accountable. The lawsuit also named Scout: Dry Goods & Trade, the store that now operates a similar business at the South Broadway Buffalo Exchange store, as it states on information and belief that co-founders of Tanaka are owners and managers at the new store (excluding Colletti) and therefore still liable. Regarding Mr. Collettiwe refused this case because we did not believe we could prove it beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury, said Carolyn Tyler, a DAs spokeswoman. Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for The Denver Post. . READ: Buffalo Exchange Closes All Colorado Stores Amid Assault and Harassment Allegations. A number of filmmakers will make their debut this month, in a variety of genres. He said it was disappointing that Colletti was not charged but that criminal and civil cases have different standards of proof and processes. Colletti co-founded and owned multiple, popular consignment stores called Buffalo Exchange. Todd isallegedly, and with near 100 corroborating stories, posts, and more every hourthe problem. Clara Pruess, who says Colletti sexually harassed and assaulted her when she worked at Buffalo Exchange, says she watched him groom many fellow employees mostly young women and people within the LGBTQ+ community. Buffalo Exchange corporate would not comment on the lawsuit Tuesday but noted that the Colorado franchise had separate ownership, according to a statement sent through a spokesperson. Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver Entries are unlimited. So far, we are excused more for our business decisions In sympathy, Kerstin, Lebsack read from the email exchange. Twist & Shout is one of the largest music stores in the region and a legendary spot for Denver music lovers. . Patrick Todd Colletti, a former Colorado franchise managing partner with Buffalo Exchange, a vintage clothing retailer, was investigated in July after dozens of anonymous allegations of. Colletti could not be reached Tuesday for comment. CBS4 Investigates also spoke with Veronica Nichols, who worked at the Buffalo Exchange Denver store for three years and left the company in 2018. We did not have control over their business operations, hiring, employee documentation, or terminations, including access to employee records or paperwork such as exit interviews. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The company had locations in Boulder and Denver, which were locally owned and operated by Colletti, Justin van Houten, Victor Cortes and Katherine Plach. Amanda Pruess says Colletti sexually assaulted her after hearing shed broken up with her boyfriend. Attorney Ben Lebsack said the complaint was about holding Buffalo Exchange accountable. To everyone that has been impacted by that man, it was not your fault. . 303 MagazineAbby SchirmacherBen Lebsack of Lowrey Parady Lebsack LLCbuffalo exchangelawsuitTodd Colletti. I am sorry that you are accused personally. In a Zoom conference call on Tuesday, a group of people sat in separate rooms across Colorado, silently holding up signs that read @buffalo.in.the.room. The message was a reference to the Instagram account which last summer published dozens of allegations of sexual harassment and assault at the hands of Buffalo Exchange Colorado owner and cofounder Todd Colletti. Vote in our annual food bracket challenge. (Photo By Kathryn Scott), How Denver is spending the $41M from the Broncos sale, (720) 263-2338 Call, text, Signal or WhatsApp, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Buffalo Exchange stood in solidarity with Mr. Colletti for over 20 years, encouraging and fostering an environment where Mr. Colletti could sexually assault his employees without consequence, Lebsack said. Parker is unable to be a plaintiff due to the statute of limitations; however, she openly spoke about her time at Buffalo Exchange. Coming to Denver in 2024, Camp Pickle gets in the game with its unique food and game experience. Four plaintiffs Alyssa Detert, Alex Myers, Amanda Pruess and Clara Pruess filed the lawsuit, claiming Colletti and the company through a lack of action created a hostile work environment based on sex Mr. Colletti verbally and physically harassed his employees, even sexually assaulting several of them., Complaints to the company, owned by Kerstin Block, were ignored or forwarded to Colletti to handle, according to the suit, creating a hostile work environment for all employees., He pinched me, poked me, ridiculed me, shamed me and gaslit me, said Amanda Pruess, at the news conference. We have extended our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -- a great resource that's free, anonymous and confidential -- to former Colorado franchise employees. #sponsored was filed by ex-employees and victims of alleged abuse against Buffalo Exchange and Todd Colletti, co-founder of The Buffalo Exchange Colorado Stores and its parent companies Tatanka, Forgotten Works and Watermelon Sugar and their co-founders. Colletti was a franchise operator of three Buffalo Exchange stores in Colorado, located at 51 Broadway and 226 E. 13th Ave. in Denver, and 1813 Pearl St. in Boulder. Buffalo Exchange, which is based in Tucson, Arizona, posted an open letter on its website on July 30, 2020, after dozens of employees and others came forward anonymously with accusations against Colletti. Colletti also allegedly assaulted Claras sister Amanda, another plaintiff in the case. We were not the employer of any of the individuals asserting claims.. Colletti is a longtime friend of Buffalo Exchange co-founder Kerstin Blocks, according to the lawsuit. Who makes the best hot chicken sandwich in Denver? "Anyone who stayed later at the parties who did more of Todd's drugs, they were afforded a certain amount of privilege, and I felt like they would stick around for longer with the company it paid off to party with Todd.". Except it wasnt free. Todd Colletti Colorado Buffalo Exchange Closes All Colorado Stores Amid Assault and Harassment Allegations Brittany Werges July 28, 2020 This weekend, a bombshell was dropped in the middle of. Opinion: Colorado farms going fallow? Colorado movie theater chain permanently closes, Delays expected; Next with Kyle Clark full show (3/1/23), Warm weekend ahead of colder weather for most of next week, NOAA forecast misses as Denver records 14th-coldest winter in history, Abuse and harassment allegations lead to shutdown of vintage clothing stores, 'This will result in a culture change': Independent panel to investigate sexual harassment claims in Colorado Judicial branch, McDonald's to mandate training to combat harassment, discrimination worldwide. The message was a reference to the Instagram account which last summer published dozens of allegations of sexual harassment and assault at the hands of Buffalo Exchange Colorado owner and cofounder Todd Colletti. In these weird times, the local vigilance, the local context, the local flavor its powered through your donations. @imanniegale Washington took over at DIA in summer 2021 and led RTD from 2009 to 2015. Colletti also operated a store in Boulder. On Tuesday, the corporate office of Buffalo Exchange released the following statement. The Denver District Attorneys Office decided in December not to press charges against Colletti, saying they could not prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. By July 28, Buffalo Exchange Colorado had booted Colletti. @jokoy is coming to @ballarenadenver onSaturday, March 4, 2023. Dozens of former employees told their stories on the Instagram account, many anonymously. For many years I've been proud to wear secondhand, much of it from Buffalo Exchange. Through tears, she explained the devastating impact of being groomed by a man enabled by a system of silence.. DPS board VP Auontai Anderson blasts Mike Johnstons mayoral campaign for segregationist tactics, Council President Pro Tem Amanda Sandoval is running again for the District 1 seat to continue changing zoning laws, Denver school board pay could increase to as much as $33,000 per year, Kevin Flynn, running for a final term as Denver City Council District 2 councilmember, warns against gentle density, Denvers effort to collect Indigenous history in the city kicked off this weekend, No, Tattered Cover isnt censoring Levis Unbuttoned: The Woke Mob Took My Job but Gave Me My Voice, Running unopposed, Stacie Gilmore is ready to serve Denvers Far Northeast District 11 for a final term, The races for Denver City Council matter. DPD said the case could be reopened if new evidence were made available. Amanda Pruess is joined as a plaintiff by her sister Clara Pruess, as well as Alex Myers and Alyssa Detert. 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