E-40’s Oakland Restaurant Burglarized Twice in One Day Ahead of Major World Cup Viewing Events
E-40’s co-owned restaurant in Oakland was hit by burglars twice in the same day, causing significant losses and disrupting planned World Cup viewing events that were expected to draw large crowds.
The establishment, The Lumpia Company, which is co-owned by the Bay Area rapper and entrepreneur, reportedly suffered break-ins early Sunday morning. According to local reports, the incident resulted in the theft of thousands of dollars worth of equipment, merchandise, and electronics—some of which had been specifically purchased to support upcoming soccer watch parties.
The burglary has not only impacted business operations but also forced the restaurant to adjust its plans during a high-traffic sports weekend.
Two Break-Ins in a Single Morning
According to co-owner Chef Alex Retodo, the restaurant was targeted twice within a short period on Sunday morning.
The suspects allegedly broke into the establishment, stole items, and returned again later the same day, compounding the damage.
Among the items reportedly taken were a laptop, a kitchen blender, and additional electronics and equipment intended to help facilitate live sports screenings and community events.
Some of the stolen items were specifically purchased in preparation for World Cup-related viewing parties, which were expected to bring increased customer traffic to the Oakland venue.
The repeated nature of the break-ins has raised concerns about security and safety for small businesses in the area.
Security Footage Released as Investigation Continues
Following the incident, security camera footage showing the alleged break-ins was shared on social media by co-owner Chef Retodo.
In his post, he asked the public for assistance in identifying those responsible.
The footage has since circulated online, drawing attention from both local residents and supporters of the business.
Authorities are reportedly aware of the incident, though details about any arrests or suspects have not yet been confirmed publicly.
Law enforcement investigations into small business burglaries often rely heavily on surveillance footage, witness tips, and recovered stolen property.
Co-Owner Speaks Out on Impact
Chef Alex Retodo expressed frustration and disappointment following the burglary, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll on the business.
“We won’t lie—this one hurts,” he wrote. “Incidents like this make us think twice. When people steal from a small business, they’re not just taking equipment—they’re taking from the employees, the customers, the community events, and the dreams behind it all.”
He also noted that the timing of the burglary was particularly damaging, as the restaurant had been preparing for a busy weekend tied to World Cup-related viewing events.
According to Retodo, the stolen equipment was essential for hosting those gatherings, forcing the team to cancel or modify parts of their plans.
E-40’s Involvement and Reaction
The restaurant is co-owned by rapper and entrepreneur E-40, who has long been active in business ventures across the Bay Area.
According to Retodo, he informed E-40 about the situation shortly after it occurred.
“My partner called me on his jet and said, ‘Hey, what happened?’ He’s like, ‘I saw the news,’” Retodo told KRON-TV. “I said, ‘E-40, we are going to be OK.’”
Despite the setback, the team attempted to continue operations in a limited capacity.
“We wanted to open with a bang today, playing the [World Cup] games, but we had to turn customers away,” Retodo added. “We had a party outside; made it happen, but it wasn’t the same.”
The comments highlight both the resilience and challenges faced by small business owners dealing with unexpected criminal incidents.
Impact on World Cup Viewing Plans
The timing of the burglary was particularly unfortunate, as The Lumpia Company had been preparing to host watch parties for upcoming World Cup matches.
Oakland is expected to be one of the cities benefiting from increased soccer-related tourism and community events tied to the global tournament.
The restaurant had planned to use new equipment and screens to create a welcoming environment for fans during live matches.
However, the theft of essential equipment has forced the business to reassess logistics and potentially delay or scale back some planned events.
Despite the setback, Retodo confirmed that future watch parties are still being considered, though adjustments will likely be necessary.
Community Response and Support
Following the release of the security footage and public statements, community members have begun expressing support for the restaurant online.
Many users have shared messages of encouragement, while others have called for increased attention to small business protection in Oakland.
Small businesses in urban areas often face heightened vulnerability to theft and vandalism, particularly when operating late hours or hosting public events.
The incident has reignited discussions about security resources, police response times, and preventative measures for local entrepreneurs.
Small Business Challenges Highlighted
Beyond the immediate financial loss, the burglary underscores broader challenges faced by independent restaurants.
For many small business owners, stolen equipment represents more than just monetary value—it can disrupt staffing, customer experience, and event planning.
In this case, the timing ahead of major World Cup-related activity amplified the impact.
Insurance claims, equipment replacement, and security upgrades are now likely to become part of the recovery process for The Lumpia Company.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding suspects or potential arrests connected to the burglary.
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement expected to review surveillance footage and follow up on leads provided by the public.
Officials have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, the owners of The Lumpia Company have indicated that they remain committed to continuing operations and supporting upcoming community events.
While the burglary has disrupted plans, the team is working to restore equipment and reschedule viewing events where possible.
For E-40’s business venture, the incident represents both a financial loss and a challenge to overcome during a high-profile sporting season.
Still, the response from staff and ownership suggests a determination to recover and move forward.
As investigations continue, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding and ensuring that future events can proceed safely and successfully.
The story remains developing, with further updates expected as authorities gather more information and the restaurant works to restore normal operations.
