Dallas, December 23, 2025
A series of break-ins targeting restaurants in northeast Dallas has left owners feeling vulnerable and anxious. Surveillance footage reveals a masked individual burglarizing three establishments in just five days, raising concerns among business owners about their safety and security. As police investigate the incidents, the local restaurant community is calling for increased vigilance and support to deter further criminal activity.
Dallas Restaurant Owners on Edge After String of Break-Ins Caught on Camera
Dallas, Texas – A series of burglaries targeting northeast Dallas restaurants has left business owners concerned and on high alert. Surveillance footage has captured a man breaking into multiple establishments over a span of five days, leading owners to believe the same individual is responsible for all incidents.
Details of the Incidents
Between December 13 and December 18, three restaurants located less than five miles apart were burglarized. The sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- December 13, 11:45 a.m.: A man in a light-colored hoodie and backpack was seen on surveillance footage at Old Fashioned Grilled Burgers. He used asphalt from the street to break the glass door, entered the restaurant, and stole the cash register before fleeing the scene.
- December 16: Primo Brother’s Pizza experienced a similar break-in. A man in a light hoodie smashed the front door, entered the premises, and took items from behind the counter.
- December 18, 1 a.m.: Mario Bros Tacos was targeted. A man in a hoodie and carrying a backpack broke into the restaurant, stole cash from the registers, and took employee tips.
Impact on Business Owners
These incidents have caused significant concern among local restaurant owners. Alan Morales, owner of Old Fashioned Grilled Burgers, expressed frustration over the repeated targeting of their businesses. Mario Moya, owner of Mario Bros Tacos, highlighted the emotional toll of the break-ins, stating that as a business owner, one expects to return to the same business they left at the end of the night, but these incidents have disrupted that sense of security.
Investigation Status
Dallas police are actively investigating the burglaries. However, they have not confirmed whether the incidents are connected or released information about potential suspects. The community remains vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution to these crimes.
Background Context
These recent burglaries add to a series of similar incidents targeting Dallas businesses. In July 2024, three masked robbers stole approximately $25,000 from Lili’s Restaurant in Grand Prairie. Surveillance footage showed the suspects breaking into the restaurant and removing a safe from the back office. Additionally, in April 2020, two men broke into Rex’s Seafood and Mimi’s Pizzeria on Northwest Highway, stealing cash from registers and video game machines. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by local business owners in safeguarding their establishments against criminal activities.
FAQ
What happened in the recent string of burglaries in Dallas?
A series of burglaries occurred between December 13 and December 18, targeting three northeast Dallas restaurants. Surveillance footage captured a man breaking into these establishments, leading owners to believe the same individual is responsible for all incidents.
Which restaurants were affected by the burglaries?
The affected restaurants include Old Fashioned Grilled Burgers, Primo Brother’s Pizza, and Mario Bros Tacos, all located less than five miles apart in northeast Dallas.
What did the burglar do during the break-ins?
In each incident, the burglar used a rock or similar object to break the glass doors of the restaurants, entered the premises, and stole cash from registers and employee tips.
Have the police made any progress in the investigation?
Dallas police are actively investigating the burglaries but have not confirmed whether the incidents are connected or released information about potential suspects.
Have similar incidents occurred in the Dallas area before?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred in the Dallas area. For example, in July 2024, three masked robbers stole approximately $25,000 from Lili’s Restaurant in Grand Prairie. In April 2020, two men broke into Rex’s Seafood and Mimi’s Pizzeria on Northwest Highway, stealing cash from registers and video game machines.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incidents | Three northeast Dallas restaurants were burglarized between December 13 and December 18, with surveillance footage capturing a man breaking into these establishments. |
| Affected Restaurants | Old Fashioned Grilled Burgers, Primo Brother’s Pizza, and Mario Bros Tacos, all located less than five miles apart in northeast Dallas. |
| Method of Burglary | The burglar used a rock or similar object to break the glass doors of the restaurants, entered the premises, and stole cash from registers and employee tips. |
| Investigation Status | Dallas police are actively investigating the burglaries but have not confirmed whether the incidents are connected or released information about potential suspects. |
| Similar Incidents | Similar incidents have occurred in the Dallas area, including a July 2024 burglary at Lili’s Restaurant in Grand Prairie and an April 2020 burglary at Rex’s Seafood and Mimi’s Pizzeria on Northwest Highway. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Small Businesses Targeted in Recent Break-Ins
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
