Local Atlanta business, Monks Meadery, is counting the cost in tens of thousands after a burglary resulted in significant flood damage. According to FOX5 Atlanta, the owner, Justin Schoendorf, reported that during a break-in on February 11, burglars cut copper pipes causing extensive water damage to the establishment located on North Highland Avenue. Schoendorf estimated the chaos inflicted upon his meadery to be in the range of $20,000 to $30,000.
In a statement obtained by Atlanta News First, Monks Meadery's assistant manager, Cassie Brown, described the taproom as "Just covered in water. Water dripping everywhere." Following the theft, the mishandled pipes gushed water for several hours before the issue was discovered, leading to damaged insulation, a broken ceiling, and the need for new interior surfaces throughout the business.
The burglary took place on the building's top floor, which is currently under construction, and because the targeted pipes were active, they ended up "pumping water into the building for hours upon hours," Schoendorf told FOX5 Atlanta. Now shut for repairs, the taproom anticipates closure to last for weeks as they navigate the aftermath, including dealing with waterlogged furniture and short-circuited equipment.
Despite the unfortunate event, the local community has rallied around Monks Meadery. "People have been saying, 'Oh my God, my second home is flooded,'" said Brown, signaling the taproom's sentimental value to the patrons. Showing the community spirit, they asked how to help, with Brown suggesting that purchasing bottles online would support the meadery in the interim. The meadery, delivering to 44 states, hopes to begin offering in-store pickup within a week or two.
Recovering from the incident involves more than repairing the physical damage. Schoendorf said he hasn't dealt with a situation like this before and is unsure of how much insurance will cover. However, as Monks Meadery works on cleanup efforts, they hope to "build back better," indicating an optimism for the future once they reopen. In the meantime, to aid in recouping losses, Schoendorf is looking forward to fulfilling online orders soon.
