Even though in-service dining is now allowed again in Georgia, many restaurants are still relying on takeout and delivery services to survive amid the coronavirus pandemic.
That’s what makes what happened during a seven-day span so devastating for a southwest Atlanta-based Haitian restaurant, according to its owner.
The Spice House off Cascade Road was recently broken into three times within a week, and the most recent burglar got away with iPads and tablets, owner Lino Joseph told Channel 2 Action News. Those devices are how the restaurant manages its takeout orders.
“(The burglar) essentially killed our takeout business that we’re depending on,” he said. “He did real damage because he stole all our iPads, all our tablets that we use for takeout.”
The burglar broke into the restaurant through a window, according to Channel 2. The news station obtained surveillance footage of one of the break-ins, which shows the suspect stealing the tablets.
The devices had software designed exclusively for takeout providers, which Spice House has recently relied upon to stay afloat.
“(Takeout is) about 70% of our business right now ... business is down 60-something percent,” Joseph told Channel 2. “We had to cut back on staff drastically.”
The owner added that the man who stole the tablets is not the same suspect who committed the other burglaries. According to incident reports obtained by AJC.com, the burglaries took place between April 18 and 25.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or online at www.StopCrimeATL.com. Tips can be sent anonymously and information that leads to an arrest and indictment can earn tipsters up to $2,000.
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