Chandler hot dog eatery Pittsburgh Willy’s temporarily closed Sunday when someone stole an underground city water meter and some copper pipe. Owner Randy Walters arrived at work at 6:30 a.m. Sunday and unknowingly waved to the thief, who appeared to be working on the outdoor meter at the Merchant Square Antique Shops mall where the restaurant is located.
When Walters discovered he had no water, he went back outside and watched the thief drive away in what looked like a business truck. Pittsburgh Willy’s was forced to close for the day, although the rest of the mall shops opened. A city worker (pictured above with Walters) installed a new meter this morning, and Pittsburgh Willy’s is expected to be open for lunch.
“It’s a shame,” Walters says. “Sunday is one of our busiest days. Not only did my small business not make any money for the day, but none of my employees made any money either.”
Walters says police told him several businesses near his also had water meters stolen over the weekend.
