Popular Pittsburgh restaurant’s specialty equipment stolen

PITTSBURGH — A surveillance system is being credited for recording a theft which is having a major impact on a local Pittsburgh business.

The owner of “Wings and a Prayer” tells Channel 11, he arrived at work this weekend and noticed his smoker was stolen.

“This is my bread and butter, and he took part of that away,” said Keith Yarbough, restaurant owner.

Yarbough walked Channel 11 through his typical Monday routine.

“Every Monday, I do ribs. I get out there and cook the ribs. I can’t do that today, because I don’t have a smoker,” said Yarbough.

Yarbough’s smoker was stolen over the weekend, right before he and his wife were about to cater an event.

“We don’t bother anybody here and everybody likes our food. So, we haven’t had any problems as far as being here. So, I do feel disrespected,” said Yarbough.

Yarbough decided to reach out to his neighbors, to see if they noticed anyone near his property.

Eventually, his neighbor Rick Cancelliere caught up with Yarbough and provided surveillance video of the theft.

“I saw a white box truck pop up and some guy jumped out, grabbed the smoker, dragged it in, and took off and it was less than a minute,” said Cancelliere.

After seeing the video, Yarbough is even more upset, especially after such a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A lot of restaurants are being hit by this pandemic; me right now I’m blessed to continue to be open, but that’s part of my business,” Yarbough.

Yarbough’s smoker was specifically made for his business. So, if the thief does not return the equipment or if the smoker is not recovered by police, he will have to purchase a new smoker.

“I just want that back if he could give it back to me, but if not, what was his reason for taking it? I just need to know why, why you did it?”

Due to the cost of the smoker, Yarbough’s neighbors have started a GoFundMe to raise money for a new model. You can learn more about the fundraiser HERE.

Channel 11 recently heard from detectives working the case that they have identified a male suspect and are working to secure a warrant.

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Cox Media Group