DENVER — Columbine Steak House & Lounge has been temporarily closed for the past week after being burglarized for the third time in two years. The only items stolen in each burglary? Steaks.
The Denver Police Department (DPD) said they responded to the family-owned restaurant at 300 N. Federal Blvd. at 5:12 a.m. on July 20 following the latest break-in. The damage was extensive enough to force a temporary closure.
“They [the thief] didn’t even go into the restaurant to go to the ATM, they didn’t go to the register… I mean they were free to do anything in here but they didn’t. They just took the steaks,” said co-owner Irene Apergis.
The Apergis family, who owns Columbine Steak House, suspects the same perpetrator each time. The burglar breaks in through the back and only steals the steaks. The previous incidents occurred during Memorial Day weekend in 2022 and in December 2022. However, Apergis said this week's break-in was the worst one yet.
The restaurant's security footage from Saturday shows the thief using a truck to repeatedly back into the restaurant’s back door, tearing down the entire back wall, and damaging a gas line and some plumbing. Apergis estimates more than $20,000 in damages and about $2,000 in stolen steaks.
Apergis’ father founded Columbine Steak House 63 years ago after moving to Denver from Greece.
“I used to work behind the register when I was like 12 years old. He made us all work, you know, we had to work… growing up in here, it’s like — it’s part of us,” Apergis reminisced.
Despite signs indicating the closure, loyal customers continued trying to get in.
“They used to come here as kids and they continue coming here, and they bring their children here. So it’s been a place where generations of families come here,” Apergis said.
The restaurant is known for its simple menu of grilled steaks, potatoes, and a house salad. Apergis said the steaks don't even have seasoning.
“They’re good steaks. That’s why they [the thieves] came three times,” Apergis said laughing, trying to make light of the situation.
Apergis remains optimistic and hopes to reopen by Friday. Denver Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing and acknowledged the two previous burglaries but have not yet determined if they are connected. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
