Pantagraph.com | News | Fire during burglary may close 'gutted' restaurant for months

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

fyrfytr72 wrote on Jun 2, 2008 10:12 PM:

" To Rollzeyes-Yeah, you may pay 50 percent more for a home, but it's so worth getting out of there. New restaurants, sure if you truly consider chain's restaurants. Nothing quality about mass production. "

Momtoct wrote on Jun 2, 2008 11:59 AM:

" To GoRedbirds-One of my family memebers own's this place, he would never do that. Please don't open your mouth about things you know nothing about. "

*rolls eyes* wrote on Jun 2, 2008 10:53 AM:

" Nicole: I've lived all over the world and many places here in the states. B-N may not be the best place in the world to live, but it is pretty nice. We have a strong economy, good employment opportunities, 2 major universities in town and all that they offer. Relatively speaking property prices are pretty reasonable. Drive an hour north of here and you'll be paying 50% more for the same house. We have a slew of restaurants for a town our size with new ones coming in regularly. The infrastructure isn't bad, and the crime rate usually is fairly low.

I'm sorry for you that you're having a rough time with your marriage/life. I've been there. . . but they got better. I hope things work out better for you soon. "

Nicole99511 wrote on Jun 1, 2008 6:44 PM:

" To flex remmington: Hope you have enough money after buying those 100 oz beers to pay for a good DUI lawyer. There is nothing to do in this town but go to the bars or out to eat. No wonder there are more overweight people in this town. "

flex remmington wrote on May 31, 2008 2:51 AM:

" i like this place. the 100 oz beer rocks my world. kinda sad to see the very table i sat at a few weeks ago chared and melted. "

Nicole99511 wrote on May 31, 2008 2:30 AM:

" To Milk was a bad choice: I lived in Denver for 37 years (heck of a lot bigger than this yokel town) and am trying to move back. I am being kept prisoner here, pretty much against mine and my kids will, because of a soon to be ex husband who can't think of anyone but himself. I moved here because he wanted a job that was offered to him here but I really didn't want to. So basically I have to live somewhere I don't want to because of selfishness. This is an awful town and gee, like the line in the movie Pleasantville....there is more outside of Pleasantville. Have you ever lived anywhere but here? If not then you have nothing to compare this place to. I DO!!!!!!!!! Everyone that is from here and hasn't lived anywhere else has no business saying this is the greatest place to live. That is like saying hamburger is better than steak and not even trying anything but hamburger. "

Nicole99511 wrote on May 31, 2008 2:22 AM:

" To Whatsup: You said...Please don't judge unless you've lived in a real metro area -- it's all about perspective. "

Well guess what?? I am from a real metro area. Ever heard Denver, Colorado. Can't get much more metro than that and yes I would give my eye teeth to move back there again. I am in the process of going to the dentist to have them pulled so I can (a joke for those who can't tell). And to Dumb Comment....I won't let the door hit me because if I get the chance to get out of this flea ridden town I will be moving alot faster than that door can close. "

cderry wrote on May 29, 2008 2:16 PM:

" Once the manager came to our table asking for advice on getting more people to the restaurant. How about 1) NOT building a wings place next to Hooters 2) Don't charge more than BWW for less quality food 3) Advertise the wings challenge a little more than zero 4) Try selling t-shirts for LESS than freaking $20 5) Consider becoming the only place to deliver wings 6) Don't build a wings place next to Hooters 7) Get a better location NOT off the road and masked by a furniture store getting bigger...and 8) Don't build a wings place next to Hooters. "

cderry wrote on May 29, 2008 2:08 PM:

" Oh great, my birthday is May 31 and I got a birthday coupon for them I have to use 30 days from my birthday. I wonder if they'll take it after they come back. "

GoRedbirds wrote on May 21, 2008 11:26 PM:

" ive been there several times and each and every time the restaurant was DEAD. i wouldnt be suprised if ownership had a hand in this fire to cut their losses. "

fyrfytr72 wrote on May 21, 2008 4:05 PM:

" suds4333-What part of Chicago are you from or what Burb are you from? I have no problems walking after 11 in the city. I have not had any problems jogging along the lakefront after 11.

I've read the pantagraph online for awhile now, I still like to keep up with what has been happening from the area I grew up in and I am constantly seeing crime occuring in your area-violent and non violent. I find it hard to believe that the criminals are all from Chicago. Can you show your evidence on your opinion? "

RealityCheck wrote on May 21, 2008 2:16 PM:

" jj01 - I'm with you on the torch idea. If a spark caught carpeting or something, there could have been smoldering for a long time before flames appeared. "

KAS wrote on May 21, 2008 1:28 PM:

" I love this place! The service is good and friendly. The prices are great! I will be counting the days until they are open again. "

supporter wrote on May 21, 2008 12:52 PM:

" My support for the Wings employees. You guys had good food and was just a fun place to hang out with friends. Please get back up and running soon as we miss the wings and all of the sauces!! Your beer specials were great too! Hope you keep those! "

94mustang5 wrote on May 21, 2008 12:26 PM:

" service was a little slow, however; the wings with the "tweener" sauce will bring me back. "

Crybaby wrote on May 21, 2008 11:22 AM:

" " I agree with "something to think about". And I only hope that, according to his/her criteria, 3/4 of the restaurants in B/N are close to a Fire Station. "

mocha wrote on May 21, 2008 10:08 AM:

" first- sorry to the owners of wings etc.... hope you all get back on your feet soon.

second- to back up cracker- i was once told by a blm police officer- who was at my house taking a report for something stolen out of my running car (i had set it in my car, ran back inside to grab something- came back out to people running away with my stuff)- that there are only two officers patroling the whole west side at night! and the fact that i had called and they had to leave the "worse" parts of the west side was a bad thing. if they only have two officers patroling the "bad side of town", what do you expect for the east side?
- on a side note- this is not to bash all the officers on the force. they do the best they can with their limited resources! "

something to think about wrote on May 21, 2008 9:55 AM:

" I won't miss this place. Service was bad, food was average, and it was over-priced. "

cracker wrote on May 20, 2008 10:13 PM:

" Maybe if you understood how long it takes for an alarm to get from the alarm panel to the alarm company to the dispatch center to the officer you would change your opinions. The burglar alarm has nothing to do with a fire either. You guys complain about the officers response time and you complain about the taxes you pay. What is your guess on how many officers work third shift and how many work the east side during third shift?

Ask your council those questions and see their response.... It will shock you. "

PK wrote on May 20, 2008 9:43 PM:

" to Moon Mullins: Yours was the very first post to mention anything racial. There were not hints, subtle or otherwise to blame Blacks.

As for the general crime in this area, there is more than years ago, but then B/N was alot smaller then. Unfortunately, as populations grow, so does crime. But all things considered, B/N is a pretty good place to live. "

jj01 wrote on May 20, 2008 9:35 PM:

" Two safes at two different restaurants broken into within 24 hours and the crimes do not appear to be related? Must be two sets of criminals think alike. I would bet they are related. They let the torch get out of control when cutting into the safe on the Wings job. I am suprised the wing sauce hasnt set the the place afire yet. My mouth burned for an hour after trying the wall. Very good food. Love the ripper. "

dalmanites wrote on May 20, 2008 8:42 PM:

" No sprinklers? Or did they not work? "

big_guy wrote on May 20, 2008 6:48 PM:

" I hope they saved the Dogzilla's "

Proud Conservative wrote on May 20, 2008 6:41 PM:

" They have the best wing sauce in town, and I can't wait till they open up again. "

JohnDW wrote on May 20, 2008 6:13 PM:

" Where were the police people ask? Probably in my area of town pulling folks over and ticketing them for unknowingly driving with only one headlight working(thanks again pal)... and then taking their sweet time to get over to Wings because such a call is confusing to these key-stone COPS!!!! Wake up people and take back your town from these thugs, because apparently the local government & law enforcement cannot or will not. Viva La Revolution!!!! "

Bigman73 wrote on May 20, 2008 5:57 PM:

" The Fire Department is right around the corner. How is it possible the place almost burnt to the ground? "

InBlm2 wrote on May 20, 2008 4:49 PM:

" Wow I just ate there I believe last week! I hope they have a speedy recovery and I'll be there right along with aggertt supporting the restaurant! "

roar wrote on May 20, 2008 4:38 PM:

" i can walk alone fine in cook county past 11, just as i can here. "

default wrote on May 20, 2008 4:25 PM:

" WOW. The pictures finally posted really put the damage into perspective. That's nuts! That's really too bad. I like my HAWGZILLA! "

moon mullins wrote on May 20, 2008 4:22 PM:

" Quit blaming all of your crime on Chicagoans already. Especially your not so subtle hints that these crimes are committed by African Americans from Chicago. These crimes against the restaurants could have been done by anyone, including Whites born and raised in McClean County. Also, the economy has no bearing on criminal activity. How many of us who are law-abiding are going to break open a safe and burn a restaurant because our wages aren't keeping up with the cost of living. Gas is so expensive I think I'll rob a bank! I don't think we would do something that stupid. "

Jay G wrote on May 20, 2008 2:50 PM:

" I live in Normal now, but.............

........I've lived in a lot of cities - big and small. Crime is everywhere. A place void of crime does NOT exist. Just where do you think you're going to go?!?!?!
"

OGS wrote on May 20, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Times are tough and are going to get tougher so crime will increase. Be sure you support the 2nd amendment so you or possibly your neighbor can protect you til the cops get there.

"

MonkeySweater wrote on May 20, 2008 2:11 PM:

" Hey boys, sounds like Nicole99511 is single. She sounds like a fun girl. ;-) No issues there. Anyway, not sure what utopia some of you come from, but I'm a transplant from metro Chicago. I like living here, where I can park my vehicle at the store and know with some certainty it will be there in one piece when I return. "

michelle24 wrote on May 20, 2008 2:09 PM:

" Do not--I repeat, do not tell my step daughter. She'll freak, oh--and she's 7 months pregnant! "

suds4333 wrote on May 20, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Absolutely Whatsup! Most of you have NO clue what is like outside of B-N or the neighboring small towns. Try ANY town in Cook County and walk a mile alone at 11:00 at night for month and see what happens. Even the "safe" towns around Chicago are no where near as safe as B-N. Yes, the crime has gone up around here, but a horrible economy has its affects everywhere (including Bloomington Normal) and with a poor economy comes crime "

Carebear89 wrote on May 20, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Gosh...why all the hostility towards the B-town. I have found it a great place to live. I have been raised here and have gone to school here and I think that it is a great place to live. Unfortunately there is some crime, but who doesn't have crime these days?! "

aggertt wrote on May 20, 2008 1:24 PM:

" I am upset. I work at a business on the east side, my coworkers and I often went to lunch at Wings Ect. It was a great place, good atmosphere and reasonably priced food. Mr. Wilson, I hope you choose to reopen the business, as we will be there to support you again! "

LastDragon wrote on May 20, 2008 1:18 PM:

" to Nicole99511: sounds like your problems are stuff in your life and not blo-no, because you went on a complete tangent talking about people and your past marriage lying to you.....
and to people that thing that its sooooo crime ridden here must have migrated here from shirley, leroy or some other small town. because its really not and rather quiet here compared to many other places. "

happyinillinois wrote on May 20, 2008 12:19 PM:

" There has been such an increase in crime in the past few years its really sad, I grew up here in bloomington, wasn't rich, wasn't starving, and never did I see as a child the crime we see now......It seems like once all of the "chicago" residents were moved here things have gone down hill fast.....So glad our local government were so hard up for "more funding" they would ruin this town in the process....Any more areas with high crime and high poverty? Call up our county I'm sure we can accomodate them for the right price......Once its all said and done, that's about all that will be left in this town if things don't change. Everyone I know wants to move their families out of here....
Great Job!! to all that were involved with that decision..... "

Brenstalka wrote on May 20, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Geez Nicole99511. Life must be hard being a victim. Everybody out to get you? I hope no one burglarizes your chicken wing restaurant. "

mdorf4 wrote on May 20, 2008 11:37 AM:

" How many of you have even seen a violent crime being committed? Of course we have it. There's over a hundred thousand people here. A small percentage of them are bad people who do bad things, but unless I am walking around a neighborhood that I have no business in I feel pretty safe. Unless you live in a small town or have enough money to live in a community that doesn't have any poverty, robberies/violent crime exists. "

Milk was a bad choice wrote on May 20, 2008 9:59 AM:

" I agree with Whatsup? I am literally laughing at all of these posters wanting to get out and saying that they would rather live in a big city than B/N. Be my guest, do it then we will see how you feel about how awful of a town this is. For the size of it the crime rate is rather low. By complaining on here it just makes you look like some ignorant yokel who thinks we live in a perfect world. "

3838 wrote on May 20, 2008 9:38 AM:

" I really enjoy dining there and hope they get back up soon. The scooner special on Wednesday is my favorite.
Now my comments, it only takes a car and driver to bring the west side to the east.
Hey police, have you thought of checking the survelience cameras on the other local business for clues? "

Whatsup? wrote on May 20, 2008 8:44 AM:

" To Danser6170, Nicole99511 and ML: You don't know how you good you have it in B-N. I live in the Chicago metro area -- and we have gangbangers walking the streets everywhere. There are only a few gas stations that are "safe" here -- and we have to be careful walking our dogs at night, even in "good" neighborhoods. Several homes are broken into each week, and a couple of stores are held up at gunpoint each week. And, our community is about 1/4 of the size of B-N. Sure, B-N has a couple of neighborhoods that aren't as safe as they used to be -- but I wouldn't hesitate to go for a walk at night in 80% of the neighborhoods in B-N. I used to live in Champaign, and still have family in B-N, so I spend quite a bit of time in B-N. Please don't judge unless you've lived in a real metro area -- it's all about perspective. "

dumb_comment wrote on May 20, 2008 6:20 AM:

" To Nicole99511: Don't let the door hit you on the way out of town. "

FreedomOfSpeech wrote on May 20, 2008 6:20 AM:

" To: BeThe Change - Much like crime, complaining is everywhere :-) "

ML wrote on May 20, 2008 5:23 AM:

" To Danser61701 and Nicole99511: I'm with you! I moved out of Bloomington about a month ago and I am happy again. I was miserable for the 4 years that I lived in this pseudo-nirvana town, and finally I feel human again. I still have to come back here to work, but that will be ending soon too, and trust me it can't come fast enough. The crime is getting worse and worse and it doesn't seem to be stopping, and as Danser said, it happens far too often in a town as small as this is. "

BeTheChange wrote on May 19, 2008 10:42 PM:

" I'm tired of hearing everyone talk about East side and West side for crime. It doesn't matter where you are, crime has always happened here. B/N is not that small anymore. Good luck finding a place that has our same population and less crime. We should appreciate what we have instead of everyone complaining about how horrible it is here. I just got home from visiting a relative in San Diego...in a nice burb that had "lock down" for their parks, littered with garbage and locks on baseball field entrances. You can go to Anderson Park and use the ball field anytime. free of graffiti, garbage and fell safe. We don't realize how nice it really is here because we haven't taken ourselves out of this place. I'm proud of our town, and maybe we should be thinking of ways to stop the violence instead of running away from it. "

Nicole99511 wrote on May 19, 2008 9:33 PM:

" To Dancer61701:
I with you on getting out of this town and for me, the state also. I hate it here and I've hated it here for the last 8 years that I've lived here. I moved here and can't stand it and wonder why I made such a stupid move. Back to the story, such a shame that such a great place (so I've heard but not seen) to live can have so much crime. I was told when I moved here that Bloomington is such a great place to raise your kids. Ha. I was lied to like the whole 14 years of my marriage so I am used to being lied to. "

flex remmington wrote on May 19, 2008 8:40 PM:

" to mcd1- Maybe you should read the story again. The officer was responding to a burglar alarm, not a fire alarm. "

just a thought 2 wrote on May 19, 2008 7:54 PM:

" maybe the officer had to wait for backup, from the hamburglar possibly "

blogger wrote on May 19, 2008 6:48 PM:

" Wings might be on the East side but nobody even knows it's there. It's buried so I'm with you.............inside job. "

Danser61701 wrote on May 19, 2008 5:12 PM:

" I have never seen so much crime in one small place! I can't wait to get out of here! Everyone will say, it happens everywhere, but it happens too much in a place that a few years ago was so nice, and now, something happening everyday. And crazy drivers. People seem like they don't know what they are doing anymore. Helppppppppppp! To Country Boy, not the new west side, I think all of Bloomington/Normal is the SAME! "

mcd1 wrote on May 19, 2008 5:10 PM:

" To all previous comments. Read the story again and use your brain to think about it. If the thief was an employee they would have plenty of time to empty the atm and safe before setting a fire that would activate the alarm. Otherwise all of you are right, there is no way the thief would have had enough time. Sounds like an inside job to me! "

pseudo-intellectual wrote on May 19, 2008 4:11 PM:

" Chicago-style strongarm burglary. Welcome to the big leagues of thuggery. "

Not so Political wrote on May 19, 2008 3:54 PM:

" Was the officer in a differant eating joint and could not get to an alarm fast enough to stop the thief. Something just is not right if they can not respond faster. Iam sure the chief will say the officer was on another call and could not respond at the time of the alarm. Same ol' story, nothing is safe on the east side. "

Country Boy wrote on May 19, 2008 3:01 PM:

" East side is the NEW west side!
"

lbr2000 wrote on May 19, 2008 2:59 PM:

" How long did the officer take to get over there? The alarm went off and the people had already got into the safe and the ATM AND set a fire. Scary. "

dumb_comment wrote on May 19, 2008 2:49 PM:

" Isn't this taking hot wings a bit too far? "

Brenstalka wrote on May 19, 2008 2:31 PM:

" Couldn't be on the EAST side. Stuff like that doesn't happen over here. "

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