Surveillance footage from the incident shows the suspect casually spending over two hours inside the family-owned establishment on Illinois Street in San Diego's North Park before making off with a safe containing thousands of dollars, including hard-earned tip money from a recent catering job. The restaurant’s owner, Luz Herrera, age 70, was left shaken by the loss.
"I'm going to be behind in everything," commented Herrera. "We depend on this for the business. It's the only income we have."
The break-in occurred around 1am on Sunday, October 13, with the burglar using a rock to shatter the restaurant’s glass door, which remains boarded up. Herrera, who immigrated to the United States over 40 years ago, has poured her heart into El Comal, building the business from the ground up with the savings she amassed while working as a caregiver. Now, she faces the financial strain of the theft, compounded by damage to the restaurant.
"I'm going to be behind in everything," commented Herrera. "We depend on this for the business. It's the only income we have."
The break-in occurred around 1am on Sunday, October 13, with the burglar using a rock to shatter the restaurant’s glass door, which remains boarded up. Herrera, who immigrated to the United States over 40 years ago, has poured her heart into El Comal, building the business from the ground up with the savings she amassed while working as a caregiver. Now, she faces the financial strain of the theft, compounded by damage to the restaurant.
In a show of support, Sheryl Rowling, a longtime family friend for whom Herrera once cared, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the restaurant recover. Despite the generosity, Herrera admits the situation has been tough.
"To me, that means people love me and like to help, but it's so embarrassing," she said tearfully, hoping instead for customers to support her business. "The only thing I want is to bring more people. That's what I need. Customers that come to consume."
El Comal’s robbery is part of a troubling trend affecting North Park’s small businesses. In the past week alone, other eateries in the area, including Gelati & Peccati and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, have also been burglarized. While police have not confirmed if the incidents are related, they are investigating the series of break-ins. No suspects have been publicly identified at this time.
As North Park's restaurant community grapples with these challenges, owners like Herrera remain focused on rebuilding and continuing to serve the customers who have supported them for years.
El Comal’s robbery is part of a troubling trend affecting North Park’s small businesses. In the past week alone, other eateries in the area, including Gelati & Peccati and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, have also been burglarized. While police have not confirmed if the incidents are related, they are investigating the series of break-ins. No suspects have been publicly identified at this time.
As North Park's restaurant community grapples with these challenges, owners like Herrera remain focused on rebuilding and continuing to serve the customers who have supported them for years.
Originally published on October 15, 2024.