Why An Illinois Steak ‘n Shake Is Being Guarded By Police

Residents in Galesburg, IL have been seeing a Galesburg police officer sitting in the parking lot of the Steak 'n Shake. No, the officers aren't there catching speeders, they are essentially guarding the restaurant. Why does the Steak 'n Shake in Galesburg need guarding? It's because the franchisee has been removed from the burger chain.

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The Steak 'n Shake at 1066 N Henderson St. in Galesburg, IL has orange cones blocking the entrance and it isn't letting customers into the dining area at this time. The restaurant has temporary hours for the drive-thru and the Galesburg Police Department is currently sitting in the parking guarding the building.

According to the Aledo Times Record, the reason for the police presence and odd hours is due to the franchisee, Dolores Cantu, being removed from the restaurant. Cantu was removed from the Steak 'n Shake because she is being investigated for more than $125,000 in fraudulent deposits,

The Aledo Times Record reports that on Saturday, September 3rd at 9:50 a.m., the Galesburg police were called to Steak ‘n Shake by a member of the corporate office. The corporate employee explained that Cantu of Galesburg owed $126,000 in fraudulent deposit slips and other money shortages. The employee told police that the Steak 'n Shake corporate office was taking over the restaurant and needed police assistance because of safety concerns.

When Galesburg police and the corporate employee arrived, the Cantu (the franchisee) was informed of the financial allegations and that she would be removed from the store, according to the Aledo Times Record. Cantu wasn't the only one removed. The police report says that Cantu “along with the rest of her family and a majority of the employees" were also being removed. The police report continues by saying that Cantu “understood and didn’t make all of the deposits for the business.”

Cantu left without incident and the locks were then changed, reports the Aledo Times Record.

The Galesburg police department has been requested to assist in security for a week or longer because there is a concern of possible reprisal from "former employees or other family members,” according to the Aledo Times Record.

There is a sign on the door at the Galesburg Steak 'n Shake that says the drive-thru is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and that those hours as temporary.

Steak ‘n Shake was founded in February 1934 in Normal, Illinois by Gus Belt. Belt pioneered the concept of premium burgers and milkshakes. There is over 550 Steak 'n Shake restaurants in 28 states in the U.S.