$4,000 worth of Cognac stolen from Tempe restaurant

TEMPE, Ariz. — A Tempe restaurant known for its luxury dining experience is asking for the public’s help after surveillance video captured a woman allegedly stealing a $4,000 bottle of rare cognac from the dining room.

The theft happened Monday night just before closing at Three Thirty Three, according to restaurant CEO John DeVries.

Surveillance video shows a woman appearing to place a bottle of Louis XIII cognac into her purse before leaving the restaurant.

“Never, in all 42 years, I’ve never, ever been robbed like that,” DeVries said.

DeVries said the suspects made a late-night reservation using false information.

“They gave a fake name, a fake phone number,” he said.

According to DeVries, the pair ordered appetizers and drinks and paid in cash. He said the situation became suspicious when they attempted to go outside to smoke.

“They got up and they wanted to go out and smoke, and we don’t allow smoking, and it just, you know, went from there,” DeVries said. “Took the bottle and put it in her purse.”

The bottle was displayed on the restaurant’s tableside beverage cart, which DeVries said is part of the upscale dining experience offered at the restaurant.

“We’re a very high-end restaurant. Every everything about us experience, and when it’s table-side, it’s people you know purchase things with their eyes, and when we have this nice cart that goes out to your table, pours it directly for you,” he said.

The restaurant, known for its upscale atmosphere and wagyu steaks, has been open for a little more than a year.

“We have people coming all the way from Vegas, flying out here for date night,” DeVries said.

DeVries said the theft impacted more than just the business financially.

“We’re all family. When you when you steal or you do something, you do it to all of us,” he said.

Tempe police are investigating. DeVries said the suspects left in a black SUV and believes investigators already have significant evidence.

“We got their plate, their cars, their face, everything,” he said.

The restaurant is now asking the public to help identify the people shown in the surveillance video.

“If they needed help, you can come ask me, I’ll help you,” DeVries said. “But when you steal from me, we’re not stopping.”

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app!

The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.

12+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.