Exotic birds stolen from Georgia restaurant found safe, owners say. ‘We are thrilled’
UPDATE: Three beloved birds are back with their owners after they were stolen from a restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, the family said.
“We are thrilled to report that our missing birds have been found and safely returned to us!” owners of the R. Thomas Deluxe Grill wrote in an update Friday, April 14.
“This has been an incredibly stressful and emotional time for our family, but we feel an immense sense of relief now that our feathered friends are back home with us.”
A 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with theft by taking and damage to property, Atlanta police confirmed to McClatchy News.
The original story continues below.
A family is “devastated” after three of their beloved birds were stolen during a break-in at their Atlanta restaurant.
Now the owners are asking for the public’s help to bring them home.
Someone snatched parrots Ruby, Peaches and Cream from their cages early Friday, April 14, at the R. Thomas Deluxe Grill in Buckhead, police and the restaurant’s owners said. Officers responded to the business, perhaps best known for its exotic birds, around 8 a.m.
The owners called it a “premeditated theft,” saying the thieves spray-painted the security cameras and were equipped with a trailer with cages, according to a Facebook post.
“The owner is deeply troubled and concerned for the welfare of their birds and we have reported the incident to the local police,” a family spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement. “We are cooperating fully with their ongoing investigation. We urge anyone with information regarding this theft to come forward and contact the local authorities.”
Opened in 1985, the R. Thomas Deluxe Grill serves “wholesome food choices that are organic, free-range, locally grown and healthy,” according to its Yelp page. Their colorful, exotic birds are also a hit with customers.
“This place has the most eclectic vibe with the yummiest food ...” one customer wrote. “They also have pet birds in cages outside the restaurant which just add another layer of interest.”
It’s unclear how many birds are kept at the business.
The incident remains under investigation.
This story was originally published April 14, 2023 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Exotic birds stolen from Georgia restaurant found safe, owners say. ‘We are thrilled’."