Montevideo, Uruguay – A popular grill restaurant in the Barrio Sur neighborhood of Montevideo was the target of a robbery early Thursday morning, leaving its owners feeling “indignant” and “demotivated,” according to a post on the restaurant’s Instagram account. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns for small businesses in the area and sparked a conversation about the challenges of operating in the face of economic hardship and crime.
La Guarida, located at the intersection of Carlos Gardel and Paraguay streets, reported the break-in occurred around 3:15 AM. The owners discovered the theft at approximately 5:49 AM, sharing their experience publicly on Instagram. The post, which quickly gained attention, expressed a sense of discouragement beyond the material losses. The restaurant, known for its parrillada – a traditional Uruguayan barbecue – has become a local favorite, and the incident resonated with many in the community.
According to the owners’ statement, the thieves made off with beverages, gas canisters, and cash. While acknowledging the financial impact, they emphasized that the emotional toll was greater. “It’s not about the material things they took, it’s about everything that goes behind it,” the Instagram post read. “The gas canisters, the drinks, the money – all of that will be recovered sooner or later, but it’s demotivating to know that we put our best effort into continuing to work and it feels like it’s all in vain.” The owners also noted their awareness that they are not alone in experiencing such incidents, but felt compelled to share their experience openly.
The incident at La Guarida comes amid broader concerns about rising crime rates in Montevideo. While official statistics are still being compiled for the current year, reports of robberies targeting small businesses have been increasing, according to local news outlets. The Barrio Sur neighborhood, in particular, has faced challenges related to poverty and insecurity. The restaurant’s decision to publicly address the robbery reflects a growing trend among business owners to speak out about their experiences and advocate for increased security measures.
The owners of La Guarida expressed a surprising sentiment in their post, stating, “For the people who broke in and took things, enjoy them and we hope it comes back to us multiplied.” This statement, while seemingly forgiving, underscores the deep frustration and weariness felt by those who are repeatedly affected by crime. They also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their work, despite the setback.
Parrilla 🥩 | Barrio Sur.- 🙌🏼 Martes a Sabados 19 a 00hs Sabados y Domingos de 12 a 16hs 📲 098 55 1100 📍Carlos Gardel 1100
News of the robbery quickly spread on social media, with Montevideo Portal reporting the incident just hours after it occurred. A post on X (formerly Twitter) from the news outlet highlighted the stolen items and the owners’ feelings of frustration. The incident has prompted a wave of support for La Guarida from the local community, with many expressing their solidarity and vowing to continue patronizing the restaurant.
The police have not yet released any information regarding the investigation into the robbery. Authorities are urging business owners to review their security measures and report any suspicious activity. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in Montevideo and the need for continued efforts to address crime and improve security in the city’s neighborhoods.
As of Thursday afternoon, La Guarida remained closed as the owners assessed the damage and restocked their supplies. They have indicated plans to reopen on Friday, determined to continue serving the community despite the setback. The next step for the restaurant will be to work with local authorities to enhance security measures and prevent future incidents.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of small businesses and the importance of community support. If you’d like to learn more about La Guarida and their menu, you can visit their Instagram page. Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below.
