The owner of Sip & Savor, a beloved coffee shop in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, is speaking out after thieves broke into his business earlier this week.
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Trez Pugh III, who founded the shop as a community hub, described the incident as a heartbreaking violation of the hard work and dedication he’s poured into the business. Surveillance footage shows the suspects entering the shop on 47th Street and using a cart to remove items from the cooler, including high-end spirits like bourbon, vodka, and tequila, as well as baked goods such as cakes and muffins. Fortunately, Sip & Savor operates as a cashless business, so no money was stolen, though the total value of stolen items is estimated at nearly $2,000.
The Bronzeville community has rallied around the coffee shop, expressing outrage over the theft and emphasizing the importance of Sip & Savor as a safe and welcoming space. Neighbor Marilyn Sims said, “Stop trying to destroy our neighborhoods because it’s your neighborhood too. Your grandma, your sister, and someone in your family might need this.” Another neighbor, Dennis Thompson, added, “Sip & Savor is a staple in the community. So no, we can’t take this. We can’t allow this to go on without us doing something about it.”
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Despite the setback, Pugh remains determined to continue his mission. He encourages everyone to visit Sip & Savor, enjoy a cup of coffee, and support the business as it recovers from this unfortunate event. Chicago police are actively investigating the break-in.
