Popular Filipino-American Food Truck Robbed at Gunpoint in Houston

December 21, 2017

A popular Filipino American-owned food truck in Houston was robbed at gunpoint by three thugs in the wee hours of the morning of Dec. 1.

According to Flip ’n Patties owner Michael Jante, the robbers took “a lot of money” from the manager and employee who were on duty. Authorities told him that three other robberies have recently occurred in the same area.

Inquirer.net reports that the local health department in Houston requires food trucks to go to recognized commissaries for cleaning after each business day, which usually ends up very late at night. Employees were reportedly cleaning the food truck at a commissary at around 2:30 a.m. when three robbers pulled a gun on them. The workers handed over the cash and at least no one was hurt.

Jante was in the process of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant when the unfortunate attack happened. In an interview with Houstonfoodfinder, Jante lamented that the robbery could delay the opening of the Flip ‘n Patties’ brick and mortar store since the stolen cash was supposed to fund a huge part of the site.

“But our priorities are with our awesome team and staff to make sure they get paid, especially during the holidays,” he noted. To make up for the loss, he set up a GoFundMe campaign “to pay for things such as equipment, contractors, cookware, plating, etc.”

Flip ‘n Patties is known in the community for always being ready to lend a helping hand in times of need. It was among Houston food businesses that provided free food to first responders after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. The business has also donated part of its sales to relief funds during crises.

Feature Image via Facebook / FlipnPatties

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