The Gainesville Police Department is searching for a suspect after The Collegiate Grill was burglarized and vandalized early Saturday morning.
According to co-owner Jeff Worley, the incident took place shortly after 2:00 a.m. Saturday when a white male entered the rear door of the building from the patio area.
Worley said the suspect spent several minutes ransacking the cook line area and took an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect also left the kitchen faucet running, which flooded the kitchen.
The suspect then went into the restroom and attempted to burn some of the cash he had stolen, then exited the rear of the building around 2:50 a.m.
According to Worley, there was no significant damage to the property or equipment. Worley said the Gainesville Police Department was investigating the case, with the help of nearby security camera footage.
In a post on Facebook, The Collegiate Grill is asking for information so that the police can track down the individual.
Worley said he and his wife Donna "felt as if we’ve been punched in the gut all day." He said the incident hurt his heart more than his wallet, and said he feels passionate about serving the people of Gainesville.
The Collegiate Grill, which has been in operation in downtown Gainesville since 1947, will resume operation on Monday, July 13 at 11 a.m.
