The San Diego Sheriff鈥檚 Office confirmed the break-in occurred around 9:40pm on March 2, at the Swagu Burger restaurant branch at 14149 Twin Peaks Road in Poway. Security camera footage captured an individual pacing outside before shattering the glass front door to gain entry.
The thief proceeded to the back of the shop, knocking over cooking utensils and equipment, and stole a safe bolted to a rack, taking an estimated $2,000 in cash earnings from the weekend's sales. Management noted the burglary happened just 10 minutes after the last employee left at 9pm, suggesting the perpetrator knew the layout and timing.
The incident erased the weekend's profits and led to an estimated additional $2,000 loss on Monday due to closure for repairs and lost sales. This is the second burglary of the same Swagyu location in 2025, prompting plans to enhance security measures to prevent future losses. The restaurant aims to reopen by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Swagyu Burger is a San Diego-based, high-end smash burger destination. The concept traces its origins to summer 2020 with the opening of its flagship location in Imperial Beach, spearheaded by Chef听Steve Brown. The brand quickly expanded to Poway and Pacific Beach, though the Pacific Beach site closed in 2023. Despite setbacks, including failed expansions in Encinitas and South Oceanside due to a lease dispute, Swagyu has grown with new locations in La Mesa (since temporarily closed), Little Italy, Westfield UTC, Newport Beach, and Garden Grove, and once planned a new Pacific Beach branch, although that branch is no longer being pursued. The Imperial Beach flagship reopened in late 2024 after a year-long closure, while an expanded location near Petco Park, catering to Padres fans, is expected to open in 2025. The Poway burglaries underscore continued challenges amid pursued reinvention.
Swagyu and its owner, Chef Steve Brown, posted on Instagram about the incident, stating, "Swagyu Burger Poway was broken into a safe stolen last night 10 min after our last employee left at 9pm who ever it was knew exactly where to go. Not fucking cool what ever tho you鈥檒l get yours鈥�. Thank you to all of our loyal customers and followers for your continued support we appreciate you 馃檹馃徑鉂わ笍 We will be closed today at least I鈥檒l keep you updated."
The San Diego Sheriff鈥檚 Office is investigating, with no arrests made, and no other businesses in the area reported burglaries. Authorities are seeking information, encouraging contact with the Poway Sheriff鈥檚 Station at 858.513.2800 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 888-580-8477 to aid the ongoing probe.
Originally published on March 3, 2025.听
