KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chris Goode has worked hard to make Troost Avenue a place to be proud of in Kansas City, Missouri.
"I grew up not far from here," said Goode, the owner and founder of Ruby Jean's Juicery. "I went daycare right across the street."
Goode opened the store in November 2017 and hadn't experienced any problems until last Thursday when someone broke in, destroying the front window and stealing some cash.
"I don't think she noticed the glass right away," Goode said, "but she noticed the drawer was taken."
[LISTEN: The "Chew Dilgence" crew talks to the folks behind Ruby Jean's Juicery and Thema's Kitchen]
The owners of the other nearby restaurants said the burglary is a blow to the area, especially for a business that is making a name for itself.
"It's disappointing, especially at Ruby Jean's," said Pamela Infranca, chef and food programs managers at Thelma's Kitchen. "It's just so well done. Chris is such a wonderful guy for him to have that setback of being broken into."
Goode said crime will not deter his attempts to improve Troost Avenue.
"It only has encouraged and strengthened my involvement to push forward and make this a healthier city for everybody," he said.
And Goode is getting help from the community.
"What I have seen come from this incident, which could of been so much worse, is a community of people and an entire city of people that truly support our mission," he said.
His goal is to get more people to move to the area as a way to revive the neighborhood.
"There is just so much happening," Infranca said.
Goode also had this message for the burglar.
"I say, 'God bless you,'" Goode said. "I hope it fulfilled a need. That person you can ask for forgiveness, but bless you. I hope it helps you. You have shined a light on our business, and you have encouraged people to be healthier, so thank you."
A GoFundMe was started to help Ruby Jean's pay for repairs.
There has been a fundraising site started for the juicery, started by a customer. Click here for more.
