The owners of two local eateries pleaded guilty last week to charges that they distributed cocaine during business hours from their restaurants.

Stephen Catone, 42 of Wheatfield and Joseph Tomasino, 45, of Tonawanda pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine before District Judge Richard Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McCabe, who is handling the case, stated that in 2009, they stored, distributed and used cocaine during business hours at bars and restaurants they owned in Wheatfield.

Catone is owner of Papa Joe's on Niagara Falls Boulevard and Tomasino was part-owner of J.T. Wheatfield's on Ward Road.

Both men face up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine when they return to court Jan. 24 for sentencing.