A Georgia restaurant owner won’t be pressing charges against the person who broke into his business over the weekend — he’s inviting the alleged burglar to apply for a job instead.
Carl Wallace, owner of Diablo’s Southwest Grill on Wheeler Road in Augusta, said in a now-viral Facebook post that someone broke in around 4 a.m. Saturday.
He shared a photo showing the glass door the suspect had shattered and a surveillance image of the intruder — along with the unexpected offer.
“Our burritos are such a smash hit we’ve got people breaking in at 4 a.m. for their fix. So if ya see our door looking hurricane fabulous at Wheeler Rd this is why,” Wallace wrote. “To the would-be robber who is clearly struggling with life decisions or having money issues… please swing by for a job application.”
“There are better opportunities out there than this path you’ve chosen,” he added, providing his personal cellphone number. “No police, no questions. Let’s sit down and talk about how we could help you and fix the road you’re on.”
The thief only made off with some loose change from the register — but Wallace told local outlet WRDW the outcome could have been much worse.
“They’re risking so much every time they do this: to the business owner, to themselves, or what could happen if the police show up during the process of the break-in,” the owner said.
He told the station the Easter weekend inspired him to show some forgiveness.
“Instead of having the normal response of being angry, we decided to reach out, and say this is a bad career path that you’re on, and we’re willing to offer you a job if you’re willing to change what you’re doing in life,” Wallace said.
Carl Wallace, the owner of Diablo’s Southwest Grill on Wheeler Road in Augusta, said in a now-viral Facebook post that someone broke in around 4 a.m. Saturday. Facebook“I can’t fix the world, I can’t save the world, but I can make a difference in one person’s life,” he added. “So I took that approach … on this Easter weekend, to try to take the Godly approach to the situation.”
By Monday afternoon, Wallace’s post had racked up 3,800 likes and 4,400 shares.
Customer Cher Best, who saw the post, told the station she came by the eatery to show some support.
“One phrase that my mom always said that I hold dear, is ‘It’s a blessing to be a blessing’ and that’s exactly what he was,” she said.
