Rochester, N.Y. – Parma Johnny's Italian Grill on Lyell Avenue in Rochester opened for business at a new location on January 2nd.
Owners John and Lori Cueva decided to move the restaurant they opened two years ago on Chili Avenue to this location because they thought it was a safer neighborhood.
The restaurant's first burglary was in December, while they were still moving in. Hundreds of dollars worth of liquor was stolen
The second burglary happened around 12:30 Saturday morning. Someone broke into the side door and within two minutes, left with the restaurant's computer system, cash register, and other items.
“I've lived through cancer,” said Lori Cueva. “I'm a cancer survivor, but this experience is worse.”
Cueva estimates at least $10,000 of items were stolen.
“It's an invasion of every bit of privacy that you have,” said Cueva, “it's a dirty feeling when someone comes into your space. I don't feel safe, I'm going to take every measure to make myself feel safer, but I don't feel safe. It's like someone coming in your home, so it's not a good feeling.”
The Cueva’s used their entire life savings to open Parma Johnny’s.
“I actually even sold my wedding ring to open this business,” said Cueva.
A business that's doing what it can to keep its doors open now, but can't afford to take another hit.
“Three times would be a strike out,” said Cueva, “because I feel very violated, and I don't think I could go on with much more.”
The Cueva’s are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
If you have any information call Crime Stoppers at 423-9300.
