Residents of Tempe are showing their spirit of solidarity, rallying behind the popular local eatery Johnny’s Burgers after a theft struck a blow to the restaurant already recovering from past adversities. According to a report by ABC15, owner Yianni Loannou experienced a break-in on July 7, where a burglar used a rock to smash through a window, and absconded with a mere $250 from the cash register. Despite the violation, Loannou finds solace in the community’s overwhelming support, reflecting on a prior calamity—an electrical fire in December 2023—that had shuttered the restaurant for over a year.
In an interview with 12News, the restaurant’s manager, Carlos Contreras, lamented the loss and the damages, noting the irony that the money stolen was practically negligible compared to the cost of repairing the storefront which is near $1,000 but it is the emotional toll that weighs heaviest on the small business with a big heart for its patrons. Security footage exposed the crime in sobering detail, raising questions about the backstory and turmoil of the individual behind the mask…