In a smash-and-grab that barely paid out, a four-person crew early Thursday morning used sledgehammers to shatter the front window at Hashtag 95 in Oak Lawn and beelined for the restaurant's small gaming room, leaving behind a wrecked storefront and at least two machines with busted screens. Owner Nick Perakis says the suspects pried open the machines but made off with very little cash because the gaming company had already removed the money earlier that morning. Surveillance video reviewed by Perakis shows the crew circling the parking lot and briefly bolting when an SUV pulled in, then coming back to finish the job. The break-in left staff shaken and the owner staring at repair bills he says are higher than whatever the thieves managed to grab.
How it unfolded
As reported by CBS Chicago, the burglars pulled up shortly after a police patrol had rolled through the lot around 4 a.m. They jumped out of a car, pulled sledgehammers from the trunk and smashed through the front window before heading straight to the gaming room. Once inside, they used the hammers to break screens and pry open the slot machines. Surveillance footage shows the crew briefly fleeing when an SUV entered the lot, only to return when they realized the driver was not law enforcement.
Where it happened
According to Hashtag 95's website, the restaurant is located at 6260 W. 95th Street in Oak Lawn and lists its phone number and hours online. The business presents itself as a modern diner with an attached gaming area.
Owner's account and police leads
Perakis told CBS Chicago that the thieves "knew what they were after" but "definitely didn't seem very experienced," and that the gaming company had cleared the cash earlier, leaving the burglars with little to take. He said the episode "put some fear into my employees." Police, Perakis added, "have a bead on these guys" as investigators track crews he believes are targeting multiple suburbs.
Business community context
The restaurant held a ribbon-cutting in January 2025, according to the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, which lists Perakis as the contact for Hashtag 95. Perakis says he hopes customers continue to support the business while repairs are underway.
Hashtag 95 is replacing its broken window and cleaning up the gaming room while the investigation remains active. Patrons can check the restaurant's website for updates and hours.
