Burglarized for Beef: Denver Restaurant Targeted for Steaks, Not Cash

DENVER, CO — In an unusual series of property crimes targeting Federal Boulevard establishments, Denver business owners are demonstrating remarkable resilience. At the historic Columbine Steak House & Lounge, a burglar bypassed cash registers and the ATM, opting instead to steal a massive quantity of premium steaks. The suspect backed a vehicle directly through the restaurant's rear wall, causing extensive structural and utility line damage that far exceeded the value of the stolen meat.

Co-owner Irene Apergis expressed both shock and exhaustion after the incident, which marked the third time the family-owned steakhouse had been targeted in two years. Despite the structural damage forcing a temporary closure for repairs, the family-owned business remained determined to reopen and serve the community. The focus of the thief solely on food rather than cash highlights the odd motivations behind some recent commercial burglaries in the Denver area.

Similar resilience was seen nearby at Adobo Restaurant & Bar. In late January 2026, the Federal Boulevard restaurant was burglarized between 3:36 a.m. and 3:40 a.m. Thieves broke through the doors and stole the restaurant's safe and cash register — a devastating blow just after the busy National Western Stock Show weekend. Despite the substantial loss, chef and owner Blaine Baggao reopened Adobo just hours later. Baggao credited his family values and the strength of his staff as the driving forces behind the restaurant's quick recovery. Both cases highlight the operational security challenges Denver restaurateurs face, along with the deep community ties that keep their businesses going.