Above the Crust Pizza, a family‑run pizzeria in northwest Las Vegas, is dealing with a surge of petty thefts that the owner says are adding up fast. Nicholas Barkin, who operates the shop and employs eight staff members, told Channel 13 that the problem began as an occasional inconvenience but has now become a recurring loss.
Five thefts, five different perpetrators
“It started out as a little headache here and there, maybe once or twice a year,” Barkin explained. “But now I’ve had five of them stolen. Not from the same people, from different people.” The stolen items are the small glass jars used to dispense grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano and garlic at the counter. The jars are sold in packs, and Barkin has already had to replace them multiple times.
Impact on the business and employees
While the thefts involve relatively low‑cost items, Barkin says the cumulative effect is hurting the pizzeria’s finances. “I pay my employees, I pay myself, I pay my rent, I pay everything,” he said. “So don’t come into my house and steal something from me when I don’t go into your house and steal something from you.” The owner has chosen not to involve law enforcement, hoping the community will respect local businesses and stop the pattern.
Rising costs for Nevada restaurants
The situation at Above the Crust reflects a broader challenge for Nevada eateries. The Nevada Restaurant Association reports that restaurant expenses have risen roughly 36 % since 2019, while food costs alone have increased about 35 %. Those figures underscore how even small losses can strain thin profit margins.
Community appeal
Barkin expressed love for his customers and the neighborhood, urging patrons to act responsibly. “I love pizza. I love bringing pizza and community together,” he said. He hopes that a simple act of honesty—returning or not taking the shaker jars—will help keep the pizzeria thriving.
What diners can do
Customers who notice a missing jar can alert staff, and the pizzeria continues to offer free packets of Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano and garlic at the checkout. By protecting these small but essential supplies, diners help ensure that the shop can keep its prices fair and its staff employed.
Looking ahead
As Nevada’s restaurant industry faces mounting cost pressures, owners like Barkin are calling on community members to support local businesses in practical ways. Preventing petty thefts is one straightforward step that can make a measurable difference for small operators trying to keep the lights on and the ovens hot.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
