Several businesses on 63rd Street, both east and west of Harlem Avenue, were burglarized early Thursday, Feb. 20, between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m., according to Summit police.
Police said an unknown man targeted three Summit businesses: Talerico Martin Bakery at 7334 W. 63rd St., My Twist Frozen Yogurt and Boba Tea at 7520 W. 63rd St., and attempted to break into Rudy’s Grill at 7509 W. 63rd St. Stunod’s Pizza in Garfield Ridge was also burglarized.
The burglar, who was wearing blue jeans, a flannel shirt, a ski mask, and gloves, was caught on video leaving the bakery in a brown jacket that police said he stole from inside the store.
Authorities believe he also committed at least two burglaries east of Harlem on 63rd Street in Chicago before moving into Summit.
Bob Talerico, owner of Talerico Martin Bakery, said it was the first time in more than 40 years of business that his store had been targeted.
“We’ve never had anything like this happen,” Talerico said. “He entered the retail store after etching the window on the outer door with a screwdriver around 4:30 a.m. He then tapped it and broke it. Once through that door, he got through the secondary entry door the same way.”
Talerico said the burglar spent 12 minutes inside, moving between floors and eventually taking cash drawers outside to break them open.
“He only got change—well, change, a jacket and a hat,” Talerico said. “We have 560 employees, and people are there all night long, but he didn’t encounter anyone.”
Talerico suggested increased police presence in the area might be helpful.
“It’s concerning that this happened,” he said. “It’s great to be in Summit—the people are great, and the village has been good over the years. Maybe more police presence can keep these things from happening.”
Despite the break-in, the bakery opened as usual Thursday morning.
A couple blocks west, My Twist Frozen Yogurt and Boba Tea, was burglarized at 5:09 a.m.
“The person broke through the front door and was in my store for at least 10 to 15 minutes,” owner Quynh Ho said. “He ransacked the front, broke two registers, a small change box, and stole the tip jar. Then he went in back, went through supplies, and took off out the back door.”
Ho later posted on the store’s Facebook page about the emotional impact of the burglary.
“The saddest part of this whole experience isn’t the damaged property, financial loss, or the cleanup,” she wrote. “It’s this empty tip jar. It wasn’t just a tip jar—it was a reminder that we are appreciated and loved. It hurts really bad seeing it empty.”
The shop reopened later that day.
Ho said the burglar also tried to break into Rudy’s Grill across the street but was unable to get through the side door because of mesh over the glass.
“He then tried to climb in a window next to the door, but didn’t,” Ho said. “I won’t let this hold me back. We opened later that day and appreciate the community support.”
Before the Summit break-ins, Stunod’s Pizzeria at 6535 W. 63rd St. in Chicago was also burglarized around 3:45 a.m.
One of the owners said the break-in followed a suspicious incident two nights earlier.
“There were broken bricks outside our door, but we’re not sure if it’s related,” he said.
On Thursday morning, the front door was smashed, and the inside was ransacked. Security footage showed the suspect escaping through the rear.
“Our vintage register, which had high value, was taken,” Frank said. “He made it about half a block with it—it was heavy. We probably have $2,000 in damage so far.”
The restaurant paid extra to have the damage repaired quickly and reopened the same day.
“We had pest control come out to make sure it was cleaned professionally since the door was open, and we don’t know what, if anything, came in,” he said.
Police had not identified the suspect as of presstime and urged anyone with security footage from the area to check for possible evidence and call police if they see anything suspicious.
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