We See You: Customers, businesses support Bier Station after overnight break-in

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A challenging year continues following an overnight break-in at Bier Station in the Waldo neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri.

"I think that any small business owner knows to dread the 3 a.m. phone call from the alarm company," Bier Station owner John Couture said.

When he arrived to the business Thursday morning he found someone had shattered the front door and tried to get cash out of the register, which he said he leaves empty at night.

Couture is keeping a sense of humor about the situation. He tweeted out several photos of the damage and suspect with captions "Is it 2021 yet" and "This dude is definitely not getting a free beer from us on his birthday."

"I feel like any day we can stay open I can't complain too much, that's kind of why I had some fun with it on social media because there are many people who are in much worse situations than we are," Couture said.

Within about 25 minutes of tweeting the photos, Couture said he received a box of cookies from Mclain's Bakery, which is right across the street.

Assistant Manager Molly O'Boyle said the local businesses in the area watch out for each other, and the bakery was happy to offer a small gesture during a difficult time.

"Something that we've really learned through the pandemic especially is how far a cookie or pastry can go for somebody," O'Boyle said.

Couture said multiple customers stopped by to drop off cards, donuts and beer shortly after.

"Kansas City is a different breed when it comes to business support and just people pulling together," Couture said. "It almost made me want to cry. It just makes you feel good that people really care about businesses, and it goes beyond being a business, it's just about being a person, a community member and trying to care for the Kansas City community."

During the short time 41 Action News was at Bier Station, another local business owner stopped by to show support.

Betty Bremser, owner of Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard, dropped off some frozen custard from her business.

"This happened to me two years ago," Bremser said. "It's ridiculous and nonsensical, and I know John and I felt bad so I brought him some custard."

Bremser said she's happy to show her support for a fellow business owner.

"When this happens you just reach out, that's all there is to it," Bremser said. "I know every small business in Kansas City is not necessarily hurting, but we certainly need help and patrons and customers."

Couture said he's grateful for the love and support from the community.

"You know people have asked what can we do after something like this, and my whole thing is just support your local businesses, get gift cards from all your local businesses for your family and friends," Couture said.