Washington, D.C. Pizza Restaurant Owner Speaks Out on Rising Crime
The owner of a popular pizza restaurant in Washington, D.C. has had enough of the city’s rising crime rates and its impact on local businesses. Mariya Rusciano, the owner of Menomale pizza restaurant in Northeast D.C., took to social media to express her frustration, declaring that the nation’s capital has “fallen into anarchy.”
Rusciano’s post marked the “official start of the holiday season, AKA, robbery season!” She revealed that her restaurant had been robbed on Wednesday night, and that a nearby Italian deli she owns called Salumeria has also been targeted during the holiday season in previous years.
A City Plagued by Crime
Rusciano bemoaned the fact that her establishments have taken precautions to minimize the risk of theft, such as discouraging cash payments and keeping minimal supplies on hand. However, she expressed frustration that criminals do not seem to care about these measures and continue to target businesses in the area.
Crime Becoming the Norm
The crime situation in Washington, D.C. has taken a toll on local business owners like Rusciano. In an interview with WTOP, she stated that what used to be abnormal has now become the new normal. She described a sense of anxiety and anticipation that arises every holiday season, as business owners fear that something might happen at any moment.
A Plea for Action
Rusciano believes that the city is going through an abnormal period and that this level of crime is not the norm. She called on city leadership to take decisive action to address the issue and reassure both residents and visitors that Washington, D.C. is a safe place with thriving businesses worth supporting.
A History of Break-Ins
Menomale pizza restaurant has been a fixture in the Brookland neighborhood of D.C. for 11 years. However, Rusciano revealed that during this time, her business has been subjected to approximately five break-ins. Salumeria, the neighboring Italian deli, has also experienced around three break-ins. Despite minimizing the amount of cash on hand, burglars have targeted other items, such as liquor and wine.
Seeking Reassurance
Rusciano emphasized the need for strong leadership and effective measures to address the crime crisis in Washington, D.C. She wants people to feel safe and confident in visiting the city and supporting its local businesses.
The Future of Washington, D.C.
The rising crime rates in Washington, D.C. are a cause for concern for business owners like Mariya Rusciano. As she continues to fight against the impact of crime on her establishments, she hopes that city leaders will take action to restore safety and security to the nation’s capital. Only then can residents and visitors alike enjoy all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.
The Menomale pizza restaurant and neighboring Salumeria’s Italian deli have been robbed multiple times during the holiday season in recent years, the owner said.
Mariya Rusciano told WTOP the D.C. crime crisis has worsened in recent years.
