Community rallies behind family-owned business after burglary

A local mom-and-pop restaurant in Yuma was burglarized right before one of their busiest days of the week.

The family-owned restaurant, Duron’s El Zarape Grill, has been a staple in the west-end community since it opened in 2012.

Janine Duron , her husband, and son all run the restaurant daily bringing locals the flavors of Sonora, Mexico.

The restaurant follows the recipes that her mother-in-law used back in the early 1900s .

Duron described her clientele as everyday friends, saying, ” [They’re] people that come in every day and have breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner. Or one of the three. ”

Sadly, around 2 a.m. on August 18, this neighborhood favorite was the target of a burglary.

Duron recalls what she saw on the business’ surveillance cameras on Sunday morning.

” Looks like three gentlemen came in and had some fun in the restaurant. They broke the [front] window, ” she said.

Duron believes the suspects made off with nearly $1,000 worth of liquor from the bar and a sentimental statue from their display case.

However, Duron’s refused to miss a day of business.

The restaurant was able to get the window replaced just in time for Sunday’s lunch rush.

“We found a company that was willing to come in on a Sunday, so the damage to the Sunday morning crowd was minimal thanks to them, and we’re just grateful,” Duron said.

The community has also stepped up to help authorities find the thieves by spreading the suspects’ photos on social media.

Duron revealed how this isn’t the first time that her community has stood by her family.

Almost a year and a half ago, her youngest son suddenly passed away from a brain aneurysm, and the community uplifted her family.

Duron said, ” Thousands and thousands…maybe even 3,000 emails and calls and condolences and donations and a car wash. Just anything people could do to help. ”

It’s this continued support from her community that keeps Duron smiling through tough times, saying “[Our family] wants to say thank you again, and again, to everyone who loves and supports us as we love you all.”

Duron told News 11 that many other businesses in the area have also been burglarized or vandalized.

She believes the suspects are people with addictions.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating this crime.