When dining out, there’s often a lot to consider. You think about the location, the menu options, whether or not you need a reservation, and the timing. All these factors play a crucial role in choosing where to enjoy your next meal. However, your physical safety might not be top of mind when selecting a restaurant, especially when you’re focused on snagging a coveted table at a popular spot. Unfortunately, a recent series of high-profile robberies targeting New York City’s upscale dining establishments may shift your focus to a more pressing concern—your safety.
In recent months, patrons of high-end restaurants in New York City have become the targets of sophisticated thefts. Thieves have been preying on diners, stealing luxury watches and smartphones from unsuspecting guests. While it remains uncertain whether these incidents are part of a coordinated operation, they follow a distressingly similar pattern: two men, one armed with a gun, rob diners of their personal items before fleeing on dirt bikes or mopeds.
The first reported incident occurred on May 31 at Marlow & Sons in Williamsburg. Two men dining outside the restaurant were approached by an armed robber who demanded their watches. The thief made off with a Rolex and an Audemars Piguet, valued at $40,000 collectively. After grabbing the expensive timepieces, the robber fled with an accomplice, leaving the victims shaken and without their luxury items.
Less than a month later, on June 22, a similar robbery took place at Carbone, a renowned Italian restaurant known for its A-list clientele. In this instance, two men stole a Patek Philippe watch worth $100,000 at gunpoint. This brazen heist was a stark reminder of the growing trend of high-end thefts targeting diners.
Just three days after the Carbone incident, another robbery occurred at Birds of a Feather, a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Williamsburg. Unlike previous incidents where victims were targeted outside, this robbery took place inside the restaurant. The thieves, who managed to breach the dining room, stole three watches and two phones from a group of men dining at the establishment.
The pattern of thefts continued with a recent incident last Thursday, when two individuals on a black moped approached a man and woman on the street in Greenpoint. The pair, who had just left Twins Lounge and were en route to Ponyboy, were robbed of a watch and a purse. One of the assailants was reportedly armed with a gun, underscoring the level of threat faced by diners in the city.
Despite these concerning events, experts and local officials want to reassure the public that dining out in New York City remains safe. Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, emphasized that there are over 25,000 restaurants across the city, and the vast majority of diners enjoy their experiences without incident. “People should not be worried about going out to eat,” Rigie said, underscoring the rarity of such violent incidents.
In response to the recent spate of thefts, some restaurants are taking additional measures to ensure the safety of their patrons. For instance, the owners of Birds of a Feather have announced plans to upgrade their surveillance system and potentially hire a security guard to bolster safety.
Despite these proactive measures and the general reassurance from industry professionals, diners are advised to exercise caution. It might be wise to avoid displaying high-value items like luxury watches and expensive smartphones in public, especially in areas where you may be more vulnerable. While the risk of being targeted by such crimes is relatively low, taking preventive steps can help you enjoy your dining experiences with greater peace of mind.
In conclusion, while the recent thefts have cast a shadow over New York City’s dining scene, they have also prompted both restaurant owners and patrons to be more vigilant. The city’s vibrant restaurant culture continues to thrive, and with enhanced security measures and awareness, diners can still indulge in their favorite culinary experiences while staying safe.
