10/24/2026
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Anna, and I am sharing this response publicly because, frankly, Im as tired as everyone else. Most of the community already knows who I am, so by all means, drop by, say hello, and—while you are at it—maybe ask if we are actually doing alright.
I have reviewed the recent article multiple times, and to put it mildly, I have a few thoughts. I don’t claim to be a professional journalist like the author of this piece, so do pardon any lack of literary polish. Yes, there have been calls and complaints, and yes, I have personally appeared in court and addressed these issues head-on with NO DISCUSSION OF REMOVAL EVER.
Furthermore, while all good things must come to an end, taking down the patio was MY DECISION , not the city's. Feel free to check the public records—there is no enforcement order demanding its removal. It was a personal judgment call because, frankly, we are exhausted.
QUESTION TIME:
• Are we comfortable with drug sales in front of our establishment? NO.
• Have we called the police? Repeatedly. In fact, fun detail: dispatch seemingly stopped answering lines associated with Gigio’s directly or so it seems that way. The phone just rings indefinitely. Yet, miraculously, call from a personal cell phone and—bam—someone answers immediately. Let’s not forget they take over 30 minutes to arrive.
• Have I, my cashiers, or my cooks been personally threatened? YES, YES, and YES.
• Has our business suffered significantly? YES.
We all have families to protect, and there is only so much a small business owner can do on their own. My home address is public record—so who, exactly, is coming to protect my home when threats extend to my personal life? We went so far as to hire armed security, but when revenue is down, an extra $3,000 a week simply is not in our budget.
I maintain a direct text chain with Andre from the Alderwoman's office pleading for assistance (and to his credit, he has been supportive), but there is only so much he can do. I’ve spoken directly with the Alderwoman as well. I understand we aren't top priority, but no one can claim we haven't actively begged for help.
Removing the patio was a strategic choice because I am thoroughly done enabling loitering, intimidation, littering, and people attempting to take over our space.
Story time:
Last year (2025), a caller demanded to know why we were "okay with drug sales." I countered: "What makes you think we’re okay with it? Has anyone asked if we need help? No." He offered a Neighborhood Watch presence. We eagerly agreed—yet we have seen no such presence.
In July(2026), tactical officers came in through the back asked if we would be willing to sign a complaint and our cashier gladly obliged. The same tact team promised to text my cashier their direct line. Well they didn't and returned weeks later admitting they “forgot”, and when we finally got the number to text and call—we still received zero support.
Has anyone in authority simply asked, "How can we help?" or "Are you guys doing okay?" We need actual public safety support. We have asked for it hundreds of times. So, to whoever wrote this article: thank you. Consider this our latest—and hopefully loudest—cry for help.
If you haven't seen it, the "outdoor patio" in front of Gigio's is gone. The structure was illegal under the City's ordinances and got signi...
