RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A Richmond restaurant is back in business after the owner claims it was robbed Tuesday night.
According to police, on Tuesday, April 9, around 4:30 p.m., officers were called to the 1700 block of East Franklin Street for a report of a robbery.
Officers met with an employee at a Shockoe Bottom business, JewFro, who reported that when he arrived to open the store, he noticed a shortage of merchandise.
Two of JewFro’s co-owners later told 8News that more than $2,500 worth of alcohol was stolen by the robbers, and the door was damaged in the aftermath.
“It’s very painful to come here and see our space being violated and disrespected like that,” said JewFro co-owner Ari Augenbaum.
Augenbaum said staff first noticed something unusual when they entered the restaurant Wednesday afternoon. He said an employee who closed the store the night before made sure all doors were locked.
“I got a call. There was something wrong with the door, the lock wasn’t working and they couldn’t get in,” Augenbaum said. “Ten minutes later, he called me.” [back] He then says that all the alcohol is gone. There’s nothing in the bar, and you know, we got robbed. ”
Co-owners of the business said this is not the first obstacle they have faced in the past two years.
Because this is the oldest commercial building in the city, the owners said they are facing issues with plumbing and air conditioning. Last year, one employee died and another was hit by a car while leaving work.
The owners added that because the store is located near the city’s nightlife spots, there have been quite a few instances in the past of people getting violent and breaking windows. However, this is the first time such a large-scale robbery has occurred.
“For us, it was just a blow and another thing to overcome,” said JewFro co-owner Nar Hovnanian.
Following the incident, JewFro’s co-owners said they plan to install a security system, recall the alcohol and repair the door. They added that their main priority is to restore a sense of security to their employees.
Hovnanian also added that they have received overwhelming support from the community and are grateful.
“I was feeling very alone, and it just kind of came pouring out and it was very emotional, very, very emotional,” Hovnanian said.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective J. Mitchell. 804-646-0569.
