Small Businesses in Kansas City Struggle with Rise in Break-ins
Kansas City, a vibrant hub for food and drink, is facing a worrying trend many local restaurant owners never expected: a spike in break-ins that has left them feeling exposed and vulnerable. Chris Riggins, owner of Brewer’s Kitchen and Corner in Hyde Park, recently walked into a nightmarish scene that would make anyone’s heart sink. Late August brought him face-to-face with the unmistakable signs of a break-in; shattered glass decorated the floor of his establishment, and a safe containing about $3,000 had vanished.
“My building is sitting here unguarded, unprotected, completely open,” he remarked, capturing the sense of violation and solitude that followed the incident. The lonesomeness only compounded when he discovered a police card left on the shards, as if the law had merely noted the event and moved on. Riggins and his fellow restaurateurs have grappled with not only physical losses but emotional tolls following these incidents.
A Shared Frustration
With Kansas City gearing up for significant events like the World Cup in 2026, Riggins and others emphasize the urgent need for community support. “If our city doesn’t support these small restaurants, all (visitors are) going to have is chains to eat at,” he lamented. His perspective is echoed throughout the Kansas City restaurant scene, which has recently felt under siege.
Amidst these challenges, Kansas City police have reported that property crime is actually down by 3% compared to last year. Police Chief Stacey Graves assures that a renewed effort has been made to bolster presence in entertainment districts, especially during late hours. “We’ve stepped up a lot of enforcement,” she explained, highlighting the ongoing efforts to keep crime in check.
A Call for Better Support
However, many local business owners remain skeptical. Alan Kneeland, president of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association and owner of The Combine KC, pointed out that during the peak of recent break-ins, it felt like a “war was being waged” against small restaurants. The tragedy of losing well-known chef Shaun Brady in a violent incident added another layer to the fear gripping the community.
Kneeland emphasized the necessity for proactive solutions and better communication between city leaders and business owners. The city’s Back to Business program, intended to offer some relief, has been criticized for its confusing application process. Some businesses gave up entirely, feeling lost in what should have been a supportive system.
Local Voices on Crime Prevention
Small business owners like Andrew Cameron, who operates Donutology, have shared similar experiences of heartache and fatigue from break-ins. Cameron faced not one, but two break-ins at his establishments, costing him around $4,000. “I think we’ve been through all the stages of grief at the moment. We’re just tired,” he said, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster many have felt.
Meanwhile, Eric Rosell, owner of PH Coffee, laid bare his own struggles, sharing that his café has faced crime incidents about 12-15 times. As he recounted experiences from thefts to a frightening break-in that cost him $8,500, he voiced a shared desire for the police to improve response times and to engage more personally with neighborhood businesses.
The Path Ahead
The overarching sentiment among Kansas City’s restaurant and bar owners is clear: They want impactful change and the support needed to thrive amidst uncertainty. As they balance this ongoing battle, there’s hope that initiatives, including a new prosecuting attorney focused on property crime, might offer a path forward.
For Kansas City, a city filled with unique flavors, creativity, and a community spirit, the fight against crime is not merely about protecting property; it’s about ensuring the heart and soul of the local business scene continues to beat strongly for years to come. The community, filled with its vibrant restaurants and bars, hopes to rise together as they navigate these turbulent times.
