3 women accused of dine-and-dash at Chicago restaurant, brag about it online

A birthday celebration at a restaurant on Chicago's Near North Side took an unexpected turn when three women from Rochester, New York, dined and dashed, later boasting about it online. Authorities are now investigating the incident that occurred at Soul Vibez three days ago.

The women enjoyed a meal that included chicken wings and alfredo along with a selection of drinks, amassing a bill exceeding $200. According to surveillance footage, they cleverly left the restaurant one at a time shortly after the server stepped away, with one woman notably wearing a blue wig.

Adding to their troubles, the women carelessly left their names and phone numbers when they joined the restaurant's waitlist before being seated. After the incident, they shared posts on social media, tagging the restaurant and expressing gratitude for the meal they didn’t pay for.

This is not an isolated case; the restaurant owners, who manage five locations, reported a rise in dine-and-dash incidents, which pose significant challenges for both owners and staff. Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association, noted the growing financial strain on restaurants due to rising costs, emphasizing that even a seemingly small theft can severely impact their bottom line.

As a result of the incident, a police report has been filed, and Chicago police are currently investigating. If they are charged, the women could face a Class A misdemeanor for theft of services under $500, with penalties including up to a year in jail and a potential $2,500 fine.