It was back to business as usual at Chaya Brasserie on Wednesday. It was a far cry from the terror two employees experienced early Wednesday morning.
Shortly after midnight, customers were gone when seven men invaded the place. Some of them wore masks.
"It was already closed, but they were able to tie up the two employees and take money from the cash register," said police Sgt. Wilfred Williams.
The two men were able to untie themselves and call 911. They did suffer some injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police cannot say whether or not this was a gang robbery. The investigation continues and they are asking for the public's help. You can either call or text a tip to the San Francisco Police Department.
This follows a brazen takeover robbery on Potrero Hill last week. Two armed men hit Chez Maman and took money and valuables from diners. The same two men robbed a 7-11 a few hours later. One of those suspects has been arrested.
It has not affected Chez Maman's business and it is not something customers can prepare for.
"You just have to live in the moment and act out of your awareness and what's the right thing to do in the moment," said a Chez Maman patron.
Police have not made a connection between the two restaurant robberies.
"Robberies, thefts are crimes of opportunity," said Williams.
He does not think this is the start of a series of takeover robberies like the ones that plagued Oakland in 2008. They became so vicious and violent that business dropped, but the robbers were arrested and convicted.
In San Francisco, the restaurant business is too important to suffer financial losses because of crime.
San Francisco Police Department anonymous tip line: (415 ) 575-4444
Text-A-Tip: text "SFPD" and your tip to TIP411
