‘Very unfortunate’: Sask. restaurants target of vandalism, break-ins

Jason Wosminity, the general manager of Las Palapas Resort Grill in Saskatoon said “it’s just been one thing after another,” this last month as the restaurant has been the target of multiple incidents, crimes like break ins and vandalism.

“It’s been very unfortunate,” he said.

Within the last month, Wosminity explained a rock had been thrown through the building’s lounge door and alcohol was stolen.

“It’s not so much the alcohol cost, it’s the repair of the door that kicks you,” he said, noting there have also been cases of vandalism and a break-in to the building’s back storage unit.

He cited another incident where someone spent over an hour milling around the restaurant’s front patio, unrolling the awning, and climbing up on the roof to take the power source out of the air systems.

The cost to repair and restore the aftermath of these crimes has racked up thousands of dollars when considering labour, he explained.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the work your team is doing and the financial strain,” he said.

These crimes affect more than just the wallet, he explained, noting that staff now have a buddy system when leaving the restaurant especially at night.

Wosminity said he also loses a little bit of sleep when he receives a text in the middle of the night or a notification from the alarm company, hoping it’s not another incident.

He said it’s important to note nobody was hurt during these crimes.

In exploring potential solutions, he proposed that a stronger police presence could positively impact the neighbourhood. He expressed appreciation for the efforts law enforcement has already made, and said he is willing to collaborate with them to enhance safety in the neighbourhood.

Despite the setback, Wosminity is committed to keeping the restaurant open and serving the community, and prides himself on being a part of the Nutana neighbourhood.

“We’re more than just a restaurant, we are a place where our community meets, and we hope that we can all support each other.”

“Now more than ever” he urges the community to show support by visiting the restaurant, sharing kind words, and helping to keep an eye on the neighbourhood.

“If something doesn’t look right, say something,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be for a business, it could be for someone’s home, be a good neighbour.”

“We have a staff that is our family, and staying open is absolutely crucial for them.”

Smashed window at Regina Mexican restaurant

One week ago when Sergio Reyna, an owner of Agave Authentic Mexican Grill in Regina came into work he saw that one of the restaurant’s windows was smashed in the take-out area.

Luckily, he said the restaurant windows have two layers, and only one was broken.

He said the restaurant has been in the city’s North Central area for nearly four years and this is the first time this has happened.

“Certainly it’s not a good feeling,” Rayna said.

“What can we do,” he said. “We (can) keep going, replace the window and hope that doesn’t happen again.”

He noted the cost to repair the window was nearly $2500. That price tag can be a hefty price for small restaurants that are already grappling with the rising cost of ingredients.

He advises restaurant owners to invest in a proper surveillance camera system.

“Stay positive and protect your business as much as you can,” he said.