Buzz
A pizza joint in Germany was recently exposed for offering more than just pizza. A large-scale undercover investigation uncovered that customers who ordered the secret menu item number 40 received a side of cocaine along with their meal. This investigation uncovered a massive drug operation, leading to multiple raids and arrests. This pizzeria is just one of several eateries that have been found selling narcotics alongside their food. Here's a list of ten restaurants caught up in the drug trade.
10. Armadillo Grill (Raleigh, NC)
In 2023, the Armadillo Grill in Raleigh, North Carolina, had its alcohol-serving permit revoked following a major drug bust. The well-known restaurant, along with the nearby Botanical Lounge, came under investigation for selling marijuana, cocaine, and untaxed alcohol. The bust resulted in the arrest of five individuals from both establishments.
Though Armadillo Grill had initially agreed to suspend its alcohol service for 64 days, customers were left stunned when the restaurant's doors were shut for good. Having served the area for over 20 years with its popular Tex-Mex menu, the establishment claimed it could no longer cater to its customer base at that location.
9. Mexzzarella Pizzeria (Bronx, NY)
A pizzeria in the Bronx was caught in the act of trafficking drugs alongside their pizzas. In 2023, three individuals were arrested for running a drug operation out of Mexzzarella Pizzeria after authorities discovered over 100 pounds of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, valued at more than $4 million. Among the seized items were 42 kilos of cocaine, a kilo of heroin and fentanyl, along with several other drugs. Vials of crack cocaine were even found near the pizza counter for easy access to customers.
The majority of the drugs were hidden in the basement of the pizzeria, where authorities also found a kilo press and around $40,000 in cash. Surveillance had been ongoing, with officers observing the suspects carrying bags and backpacks in and out of the restaurant, located right across from an elementary school. The three individuals were charged with running a major drug trafficking operation and criminal possession of controlled substances.
8. Mamma Ventura’s Restaurant (Gettysburg, PA)
Mamma Ventura’s Restaurant and Lounge, established in 1977 in downtown Gettysburg by Carmelo Fazzolari, became a beloved local spot. After his death in 2003, his wife Jackie and daughter Cristina took over management. Cristina, a graduate of the Cordon Bleu School in Pittsburgh, was celebrated as a talented chef on the restaurant’s website. Earlier this year, Cristina found herself in trouble for offering more than just culinary delights.
She was hit with multiple charges for dealing drugs behind the restaurant, with cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana in her possession. Her husband also faced charges of possession with intent to distribute, along with additional counts of unlawful firearm possession and drug paraphernalia. The couple was caught selling drugs in the alley behind the restaurant, even transporting cocaine with their child in the backseat. The restaurant, however, continues to operate.
7. Pollos Asados 'El Gordo' (San Antonio, TX)
If you're a fan of Breaking Bad, you know about Gus Fring, who ran a drug operation from his Los Pollos Hermanos restaurants. Jonathan Linares Lumbreras has been compared to Fring in real life. Lumbreras was charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute a controlled substance and for attempting to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine after his involvement in selling drugs from his San Antonio restaurant earlier this year.
Pollos Asados 'El Gordo' was a popular restaurant in San Antonio’s West Side, even appearing on a local program celebrating regional eateries. Lumbreras had several drug couriers working for him, transporting drugs and executing sales. He had been arrested in 2021 when authorities discovered 25 kilos of cocaine, two silencers, 35 firearms, $265,000 in cash, and additional items. Despite that, he only served 20 months in prison for the prior charges, but could face up to 40 years if convicted on the latest charges.
6. McDonald’s (New York)
Some McDonald's customers were caught saying 'I’m Lovin’ It' after unknowingly receiving drugs with their meal. Frank Guerrero, a night shift manager at a Bronx McDonald’s for eight years, was arrested for trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine. Authorities spent three months investigating Guerrero as part of 'Operation Off the Menu.'
Although the drive-thru at this McDonald's location was 24 hours, the restaurant would close its inside late at night. Guerrero, however, would unlock the doors to conduct his drug transactions. He was caught hiding cocaine in a cookie bag and handing it to customers along with their order of two cheeseburgers, fries, and a soda. Guerrero sold cocaine to undercover officers on eight occasions, including once when he sold over $6,000 worth of cocaine, which was stashed inside the soap dispenser for later pickup.
5. Happy Days Diner (Auburn, Maine)
Darren Douin, 43, the owner of Happy Days Diner in Auburn, Maine, was arrested after being found with drugs and a firearm during a traffic stop earlier this year. This was part of an ongoing investigation into Douin, who had allegedly been manufacturing and selling drugs out of his restaurant for almost a decade.
When authorities searched Douin’s home and business, they discovered 70 grams of crack, 55 grams of cocaine, 2.2 grams of crystal meth, 112 ecstasy pills, 17 firearms, and $25,000 in drug-related proceeds. Police learned that Douin had been manufacturing crack cocaine in the diner overnight. Investigations began in 2022 after several sources came forward, leading to the discovery of his drug operation at both his home and the diner.
4. PR House Restaurant (Orlando, FL)
PR House in Orlando became the focus of a multi-year investigation after it was discovered that the establishment was running a drug operation involving cocaine and fentanyl. Over 18 individuals associated with the restaurant, including owners and employees, faced charges related to their involvement in the narcotics trade. Local authorities had received tips about the restaurant’s illicit activities for over 15 years, leading to the investigation.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) started its investigation into PR House even when its predecessor was still operating. The OCSO's undercover operation uncovered that the restaurant was distributing cocaine to around 70 people daily. The business owners even planned to expand their operations by using food trucks as mobile locations for selling drugs.
3. Saks Off Broadway (Bayonne, New Jersey)
Arthur Saks, an award-winning chef who had appeared on the popular cooking competition show Chopped in 2011, was arrested in 2019 for running a drug operation out of his restaurant, Saks Off Broadway. Located on Broadway and East 15th Street in Bayonne, the eatery served gourmet sandwiches. After a thorough investigation, Saks was charged with heroin possession and distribution, as well as two counts of unlawful possession of prohibited weapons, among other charges.
Detectives found 33 glassine bags of heroin, hypodermic syringes, a .38 caliber revolver, and numerous other illegal drugs and weapons at Saks Off Broadway. The city's Environmental Health Specialist shut down the restaurant after local authorities discovered unsanitary conditions. The restaurant was subsequently ordered to halt operations, but it never reopened.
2. Oishi Sushi & Japanese Steakhouse (St. Petersburg, FL)
Hai Thanh Bui, the owner of Oishi Sushi & Japanese Steakhouse in St. Petersburg, was arrested in 2022 after selling drugs to an undercover agent. Authorities found 750 grams of cocaine, 985.5 grams of ecstasy, 65 grams of ketamine, and other drugs inside a safe at the restaurant. At the time of his arrest, Bui was in possession of the key to the safe.
In addition to the drugs, investigators discovered a digital scale and small plastic bags at the restaurant. They also uncovered two rifles and five handguns stored in an RV on the premises. Bui faced accusations of selling stolen items, including merchandise from a nearby restaurant. He is currently facing 21 charges, with his trial still in progress.
1. El Coqui Restaurant (Troy, New York)
In 2023, 25 individuals were charged with drug-related offenses, facing 164 counts, including criminal possession of a controlled substance and felony criminal sale. These individuals were part of a drug operation that used El Coqui, a Puerto Rican restaurant, as a base for selling and storing narcotics. Authorities seized over three kilograms of cocaine, 40 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, four firearms, and more than $50,000 in cash.
The operation was led by 33-year-old Efrain Acevedo, a well-known cocaine distributor. Acevedo was conducting drug sales at the restaurant and using it to store cash and additional narcotics. Having previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in 2017, Acevedo served a nine-and-a-half-year sentence but was released on parole in 2022. If convicted of felony major trafficking, he now faces a life sentence.
