Bobby George, the Cleveland-based restaurateur behind TownHall and several other popular Ohio establishments, has been indicted on a new charge more than a year after his arrest for rape and attempted murder.
According to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records, George was indicted by information this week on a charge of attempted strangulation. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, October 31 at 8:30 a.m.
The new indictment comes as George, 43, continues to face a slate of serious charges first filed in August 2024, including attempted murder, rape, kidnapping, and felonious assault. The allegations stem from multiple reported incidents between November 2023 and July 2024, in which a woman accused George of repeated physical and sexual assaults.
Court documents describe several violent encounters, including an incident where George allegedly pinned the victim to the ground and strangled her, causing serious injuries. In another, he allegedly held her at gunpoint and forced her back into their home. The victim also accused George of rape and of preventing her from leaving during violent altercations.
George turned himself in shortly after a warrant was issued last year. His bond was set at $200,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin, following Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley’s recusal due to a potential conflict of interest.
George’s businesses include TownHall, Mandrake, Barley House, and Ethos Hospitality Group, among others in both Cleveland and Columbus. His prominence in the hospitality industry has made the case a flashpoint for public criticism and activism.
In September, protesters gathered outside TownHall’s Short North location, demanding new leadership and calling for justice for the alleged victims.
Demonstrators also called out Michael Roen McCullough, who they claim works at the restaurant and was recently arrested on a separate strangulation charge.
In response, TownHall released a statement saying it “does not and has never supported any kind of domestic violence,” adding that the business has “provided support to the victim of this horrible situation and will continue to provide that support for the foreseeable future.”
As of this week, George has not yet entered a plea on the new attempted strangulation charge. His arraignment is set for Friday, October 31.
