'Glass was everywhere, emotions were everywhere': Community rallies around Racine restaurant after break-in

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A local business in Racine took a hit after they say someone broke into their restaurant, stealing from the register and leaving a mess behind.

"I just stopped, said a little prayer and kept going," said Martinike McMillian, the owner of Juicy Lucy's.

In late February, McMillian says she walked into her restaurant and found her register robbed and a brick smashed through her restaurant's glass door.

"I'm somebody who supports big time, I show a lot of love," said McMillian. "I usually get warm, welcoming customers. I never really have upset customers or anybody irate, so I never really expected anything like that to happen to my business."

Running her business now for 2 years, McMillian says she was overwhelmed having to clean up the mess and pay for the repairs.

"Glass was everywhere, emotions were everywhere," said McMillian.

However, she says what started as a bad situation turned into good, all thanks to her community.

A lot of people said they heard about it, and they were like 'we want to come support,'" said McMillian. "A lot of people who did come as newcomers, they're like 'we will be back.'"

She says more and more customers, new and old, continue to show up and rally around her.

"I didn’t start off thinking that it would be so big," said McMillian. "The more you get those encouraging words or people gassing you up, you know I'm doing something right."

She's sharing her love for cooking, while also cherishing the special moments with her customers, who she says make it all worth it.

"Warm encouraging words," said McMillian. "The customers have kept me driven and motivated for sure."

CBS 58 reached out to the Racine Police Department to see where the investigation stands but haven't heard back yet.