KENNEWICK, Wash. – A recent streak of break-ins is unsettling the small business community in the Tri-Cities area, with Summer’s Hub, a locally owned food truck destination, experiencing two break-ins within a week.
Owner Chris Corbin is seeking support from the community as local businesses face this troubling trend. “You feel invaded in some way,” said Corbin. Last Friday, thieves broke into Summer’s Hub, causing thousands of dollars in damage in just minutes.
The situation worsened when another break-in occurred on Sunday night, resulting in even more damage to the establishment. Corbin described the emotional toll of these incidents, saying, “It’s a sinking feeling in your heart right away… getting woke up at three in the morning, and I come on down here and it’s time to clean up glass and pick up the pieces and, that’s hard to do. We’re a small business.”
The impact of consecutive break-ins is challenging for any business, especially a locally owned restaurant. “It’s hard to go through something like that. But that’s not everybody. We know the community here in Tri-Cities is a vibrant community that is close, supports one another,” Corbin said.
With multiple break-ins affecting Tri-Cities businesses, Corbin emphasized the importance of supporting local establishments. “The whole community is going through this phase of, theft just recently, which is unusual for a small town of Tri-Cities. And I just want everyone to come together, go out to eat, go out to your favorite place, your local establishment, and support local as best you can,” he said.
Kennewick Police have been contacted for a comment on the break-ins at Summer’s Hub, but they are unable to share information at this time as the investigation is ongoing.
Despite the challenges, Corbin remains hopeful, focusing on the future and the community’s resilience. “You got to keep your eye on the future and the prize. And you can only do what you can do. And if unfortunate events occur to you, you’re not alone. People go through them all the time. It’s not the end. Keep going. Keep fighting. And the new day will come. And it too will be a great day. So go on out. And on that new day, support local, support your friends and family and boost our community,” Corbin said.
In positive news, despite the break-ins, Corbin announced that the Pasco Summer’s Hub location is set to open in early November.
