Austin, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Noah Polk, co-founder of East Side Pies in Austin, reported multiple break-ins over the past two years, with the latest incident involving cash theft and a safe. Other local businesses have experienced similar issues, prompting Polk to shift to a cashless operation. The community’s support will be crucial as these businesses face ongoing challenges against crime.
AUSTIN, Texas — Noah Polk, co-founder of East Side Pies, has reported a troubling trend of increased break-ins at his restaurant locations in North Austin. The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, around 5 a.m., when a burglar broke into the restaurant along U.S. 183, stealing a safe and cash from the establishment.
Polk suspects that a crowbar was used to breach the front door of his restaurant during this latest burglary. He shared that East Side Pies has faced burglary incidents seven to eight times across all its locations in the past two years. In particular, the Burnet Road location has seen three break-ins, with the most recent occurring on August 6. Surveillance footage from these incidents has been shared publicly, revealing the methods and extent of the break-ins.
In total, Polk estimated that approximately $3,000 in cash has been stolen from the restaurants due to these repeated crimes. He expressed his concern over the timing of the break-ins, as business typically slows down during the summer months, making the thefts particularly damaging to the restaurant’s bottom line.
Other local businesses in the area, including Amy’s Ice Creams and Phil’s Ice House, reported similar incidents over the weekend at their U.S. 183 locations. A spokesperson for these establishments confirmed their break-ins but did not disclose specific details about what was stolen. However, they underscored the importance of community support, emphasizing their gratitude that all staff remained safe during these events.
In light of the ongoing break-ins, Polk announced a significant change to East Side Pies’ operations: he plans to convert the business to a cashless operation by September 1, aimed at reducing the risk of theft in the future. The intention behind this transition is to safeguard the restaurant’s assets and mitigate potential losses from further incidents.
Polk’s comments highlight the challenges faced by small businesses in maintaining profitability and safety in an environment affected by crime. He noted that operating margins are slim, and the ongoing threat of burglaries only adds to the difficulties of running a restaurant where “nobody is getting rich by any standard.”
The community’s response to these incidents will be crucial as local businesses navigate these challenges in a climate where economic pressures are already high. Continued support from customers can play a vital role in helping East Side Pies and other affected businesses recover from these disruptive events.
Incidents Overview
| Business | Location | Number of Break-ins Past Year | Estimated Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Side Pies | U.S. 183 & Burnet Road | Seven to Eight | $3,000 |
| Amy’s Ice Creams | U.S. 183 | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Phil’s Ice House | U.S. 183 | Not Specified | Not Specified |
FAQ
What is the nature of the break-ins at East Side Pies?
What measures is East Side Pies taking to prevent future break-ins?
Have other local businesses experienced similar issues?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Recent Burglary Incidents at Austin’s Amy’s Ice Cream and East Side Pies
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Austin
- KXAN News
- Google Search: Austin crash news
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: Texas redesigned driver licenses
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas news
- KVUE News
- Google News: Austin SWAT call
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
