Over $15,000 worth of food and beverages was stolen from Duluth's Black Water Lounge on Sunday.
A person broke in and stole the items from the back storage area of the lounge, located at 231 E. Superior St.
“We are working so hard right now, for every curbside dollar, and to have someone do this is just a violation on so many levels,” CEO and co-owner Julie Thoreson said.
Using laundry and garbage carts, the thief was able to move an “incredible” amount of product over the course of a few hours, Thoreson said. They stole food from the freezer, as well as prime rib, liquor and equipment.
After the thief was done, they put on an apron and wiped down surfaces in the facility — removing any traces of fingerprints, Thoreson said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Black Water has been temporarily closed since the start of 2019, when it shut its doors in anticipation of Superior Street road reconstruction scheduled for that summer.
The Black Water Lounge is owned by the Black Woods Group. It’s due to reopen at some point, Thoreson said.
The lounge was storing food and liquor left over from canceled Greysolon Ballroom events and from the temporary closure of other Black Woods restaurants.
Black Water is working with authorities and asks for the public to watch for individuals selling large portions of salmon, beef or liquor.
"We are more than willing to compensate anyone who can provide valuable information," a post on its Facebook page reads.
"At any time, this would feel unsettling, disturbing, and upsetting ... but especially now, we can't help but feel genuinely heartbroken by this," the post read.
Those with information are asked to call 218-625-6113 or email catchthem@blackwoods.com.
This story was updated at 6:36 p.m. April 14 with comments from the owner. It was originally posted at 5:45 p.m. April 14.
