Neighbors are shocked but rally behind Kansas City restaurant after armed robbery

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -An armed robbery at a Kansas City seafood restaurant leaves workers, customers and even residents nearby shaken. It happened Saturday night in Brookside where police say two men walked in with a gun demanding money.

Brookside has seen its share of car thefts and other property crimes, but neighbors say they are shaken to hear two gunmen stormed the popular restaurant Earl’s Premier.

Mark Calvert lives right across the street and never guessed Earl’s Premier would become a crime scene.

“Really would have never expected that,” Calvert said. “With Brady and Fox last Fall down the street, would have never expected that to happen either. It’s a shock to see that in this neighborhood.”

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This seafood restaurant is a staple in Brookside. The last thing neighbors want is crime turning customers away.

“We love those guys down there, so we hope they can get right back at it making great food,” Calvert added.

Police say two men came in Earl’s Premier right after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday with guns, assaulted someone and stole money from the and customers. No one was killed.

“They’ve done the neighborhood well, it’s a good neighborhood cozy spot,” Jon Hartner, who lives across the street, said. “Their chowder’s amazing and brings people to the neighborhood. If it’s this spot, then it will make people question too many other locations. Hopefully, t’s just a one-off.”

Now neighbors plan to be on guard.

“Getting out and meeting your neighbors, making sure you’re present,” Hartner explained. “Then you just kind of look out for each other. Eyes on the street and keep each other safe.”

The owners of Earl Premier declined to do an interview but said they’re doing alright. Police have not made any arrests or announced suspects and motives.

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