Newly Opened Chicago Soul Food Restaurant Burglarized

Surveillance footage captures apparent one-man smash-and-grab operation at Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant in River North

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A newly opened soul food restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood, Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant, was burglarized just days after its grand opening. The restaurant's surveillance system captured a lone burglar who used kitchen knives to pry open registers, steal cash and liquor, and cause other damage. Despite the setback, the restaurant's owners were able to quickly get the business back up and running the same day.

Why it matters

The burglary of a newly opened small business is a concerning incident that highlights the challenges many restaurants face, especially during high-traffic periods like Chicago Restaurant Week. However, the quick response by the owners to get the restaurant operational again demonstrates the resilience of local businesses.

The details

According to the restaurant's co-owner Laricia Baker, the burglary occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The surveillance footage showed a single individual using kitchen knives to break into the registers, steal cash and liquor, and cause other damage. Despite the setback, Baker and her husband were able to get replacement registers from their other restaurants and reopen Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant by 1 p.m. the same day.

  • The burglary occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant had celebrated its grand opening just earlier this week.

The players

Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant

A newly opened soul food restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood.

Laricia Baker

The co-owner of Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant, also known as 'Chef Fab'.

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What they’re saying

“My heart was heavy, but I still had to get this food out.”

— Laricia Baker, Co-owner, Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant (WGN-TV)

What’s next

The police are investigating the burglary and are asking anyone with additional information to leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the challenges that small businesses, especially new restaurants, can face in the early stages of operations. However, the quick response by the owners of Soul Vibez Signature Restaurant to get the business back up and running the same day demonstrates the resilience and determination of local entrepreneurs.