Despite recent setback, Marie's Italian Grill remains open for business

DEMING – Restaurants have been hard hit during the global pandemic. The past two years have severely challenged the eateries in town, forcing many owners to shut their doors temporarily, cut the work staff and modify the way they operate.

Marie’s Italian Grill has endured through the coronavirus pandemic and its variants, but now a new challenge has surfaced. In the early-morning hours of Sunday, April 17, all the picture windows facing East Pine Street and South Silver Avenue were broken at the restaurant. The restaurant sits at the corner of the historic business district and is housed in the historic Deming National Bank building that is on the state register of historic place. The building was built in 1902 and was considered at the time the hub of Deming’s financial district.

“Restaurants in Deming have been through a lot,” said owner Marie Bennett. “… Now this… We made it through a pandemic, and this will not keep us down.”

Deming police are investigating the case and noted that MC Salon on the same block of South Silver Avenue also had a window broken. Investigators recovered a piece of wood in Marie’s dining room that may have been used to cause the damage.

“It took us a couple of days to clean up the glass, but we remained open for regular business hours,” Marie told the Headlight.

The Bennett’s estimate the damage at well over $5,000.

“Our customers have been so supportive throughout the pandemic, and now this,” Marie said. “Some have come by to say how sorry they are for what happened and told me how much they enjoy dining here. I had a couple traveling on I-10 show up from out of town, wondering what had happened. They said they always make a point when traveling through to stop in Deming to eat Italian at Marie’s.”

Police said they have no suspects at this time and the investigation will continue. Any information on who may be responsible for this criminal damage to property crime can call the Deming Police Department at 575-546-3011.

“Our employees have been so understanding and continue to back us during these rough times,” Marie said. “It’s because of them that we are open for indoor dining and we will continue to make deliveries and prepare our dishes for carryout,” Marie said. “This won’t keep us down.”

Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (leave a message) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.

This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Despite recent setback, Marie's Italian Grill open for business