Galleria Liqueurs located in Old Town and Southport Avenue have been the latest victim of smash and grabs – three times in one week. The glass at the Old Town location has been replaced twice in the past week.
Owner Benjamin Pourkhalili expressed his dismay, stating, “I cried. I really – I couldn’t believe it. Everything was broke down.” The liquor store was vandalized and emptied twice, first on Christmas Day. Pourkhalili had to board up and spent thousands replacing the glass, only to receive another call a few days later reporting the same incident.
“They broke the same glass I repaired a few days ago,” he said, noting that more items were stolen this time, including rare products that had been on the shelves since the store’s opening over 20 years ago. Pourkhalili, devastated and heartbroken, emphasized, “This happened to me two times in one week.”
Galleria Liqueurs second location on Southport also fell victim to burglary during the same week. Pourkhalili humorously remarked, “It was three times in one week. Maybe I should go play the lottery.”
These burglaries occurred between Christmas and New Year’s, with Pourkhalili expressing his hope for the perpetrators to be caught. The losses for the small business owner amounted to almost $20,000 in damages and over $100,000 in inventory.
The broader context reveals a city-wide issue, as Chicago Police issued alerts about various businesses being robbed throughout the city. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection in Chicago emphasized its commitment to public safety and mentioned proactive programs to help businesses stay compliant and informed about safety measures.
Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, highlighted the impact of rising crime on businesses, particularly restaurants still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic. He called for resources to ensure the safety of businesses and customers and emphasized the need to apprehend and hold perpetrators accountable.
Southport Corridor News and Events - Chicago, Illinois 