Michelin-Starred Chef Issues Plea to Thieves Who Stole Pies Worth $30k

As a dedicated follower of Tommy Banks’ culinary journey, I can’t help but empathize with his plight during this holiday season. The theft of his refrigerated van filled with 2,500 pies is more than just a financial loss for him; it’s the loss of countless hours of hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into every single pie.

For one man, the holiday season isn’t shaping up to be easy as pie.

Chef Tommy Banks is making an appeal following the theft of his refrigerated van, which contained approximately 2,500 meat and vegetable pies intended for a Christmas market.

He stated in a video posted on Instagram on December 2nd that their van, carrying around 2,500 pies, was stolen from our facility. Now, out there somewhere in the northern part of England is our missing van, along with almost a ton of pies bearing my label. So, it’s quite inconvenient, indeed.

He went on to say, “It’s hard for me to comprehend, but it seems likely that they took the van, given their usual behavior. However, I don’t think they anticipated finding a nearly one-ton load of pies in the back.

The English chef expressed regret over the hours worked and expensive ingredients, roughly valued at $30,000, that were now squandered with the disappearance of the pies. In his words to the BBC, “The team are deeply disheartened because it represents countless days of effort lost.

Despite the unfortunate incident, Tommy managed to find a positive outcome since the pies were labeled with his name. He had faith that the thieves might check on him while looking for their loot, which could lead them to his video, so he made an appeal accordingly.

If you’ve watched the video, I can tell that the pies are missing. I believe you took my van as well. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely we’ll get it back. However, since those pies have my name on them, you can’t really benefit from them. So why not drop them off somewhere useful, like a community center? That way, someone who could use them might be able to eat them.

He said, “Even though I know you’ve acted wrongly and are a criminal, perhaps this festive season you might consider doing something kind. With the pies you’ve taken, let’s use them to feed thousands of people. Make the right choice.

Initially, Tommy posted on his Instagram Story that the local police were unable to find the stolen van and the “pie hostages” inside, as he was concerned about the perishable nature of the steak and ale, turkey and butternut squash pies. However, he later shared a more optimistic update.

As he shared in a Dec. 3 Story post, “They think they’ve found the van.”

On the very same day, North Yorkshire Police stated, “We located an abandoned white Fiat Ducato van bearing fake license plates. Our team is currently investigating a theft, and we’re asking anyone with relevant information to reach out.

Tommy pointed out that the condition and location of the missing pies remain uncertain,” or “As Tommy mentioned, we’re still unsure about both the state and where the pies have gone.

However, even though he might not regain his cherished pies, Tommy – the proprietor of Michelin-starred restaurant The Black Swan in York, as well as The Abbey Inn and premium food box business Made In Oldstead – conveyed his appreciation for the support shown by the community during this challenging time.

On his Story, the 35-year-old expressed his gratitude for the wonderful messages he received. He acknowledged that everyone has been extra cautious, searching diligently to locate those tasty pies.

Additionally, he mentioned that his colleagues and contemporaries from the field have shown great kindness, even offering a van for use. “People have been incredibly generous,” he continued. “I’m hoping it arrives quickly, at least the pies if nothing else.

2024-12-03 18:21

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