Another LGBTQ San Francisco South of Market mainstay was burglarized early November 18, its owner announced in a news release. The break-in is the latest in a string of incidents that have taken place in SOMA.
The SF Eagle, located at 398 12th Street, "was targeted in a burglary that resulted in significant property damage and the theft of a large sum of cash," according to the release, which stated the break-in and theft occurred shortly after midnight.
The release didn't state the nature of the damage, but a spokesperson stated there was "well over" $30,000 in damaged and stolen goods and stolen cash.
The theft included employee tips, inventory, equipment, and bar receipts.
The release did state that the bar was working with law enforcement.
San Francisco Police Department Public Information Officer Paulina Henderson stated officers responded at 4:19 a.m.
"Officers arrived on scene and contacted the reporting victim," Henderson stated. "Officers were advised that two unknown male suspects entered the business and burglarized the property. It was reported that the suspects stole store merchandise, and a safe containing U.S. currency."
The Bay Area Reporter reported October 9 that businesses in the SOMA neighborhood had been battling burglary, break-ins, and attempted break-ins over the past few months. The incidents have prompted speculation that they are from the same or related groups of organized thieves.
Targeted businesses included DECANTsf, Oasis, the Stud, Powerhouse, and Mars bar.
Lex Montiel, a gay man who owns the SF Eagle, stated that the burglary has shaken his employees' sense of safety.
"Our workers rely on the bar for their livelihood," he stated. "This burglary affects not only the SF Eagle but also the people who make it a cornerstone of our community."
Montiel started a GoFundMe "to cover payroll expenses for our 30+ staff members, replenish bar supplies, and conduct emergency repairs so that we can reopen safely as soon as possible," it states.
"With a Sunday Beer Bust fundraiser scheduled for this weekend, we are prioritizing rebuilding so that we can support our queer nonprofits who rely on the SF Eagle Bar to host vital fundraising events," the GoFundMe page continues.
The GoFundMe campaign has raised $725 of a $30,000 goal as of press time November 19.
The Eagle has, through various events, helped 50 local LGBTQ nonprofits raise $80,000 this year alone, the release stated.
No arrests have been made; anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.
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