In the heart of Harvey, Illinois, a cherished sandwich shop has been serving the community for decades. This establishment, a cornerstone of the south suburban area, is now facing an uncertain future after suffering a devastating break-in.

The incident, which resulted in thousands of dollars in damages, has forced the owners to consider closing their doors. Despite this setback, the local community has come together, determined to support the shop and ensure its survival in the neighborhood.

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“Everyone is rushing to help, talk to me, hug me, and support me in any way they can,” shared Nariman Ayed, the resilient owner of Pacific Submarine. Her determination is fueled by the overwhelming love and backing from residents.

Ayed, who is also a stroke survivor, described the shock she felt when she arrived at her shop on 159th Street after a doctor’s appointment to find chaos. The front door was shattered, glass littered the floor, and both the safe and cash register were missing.

The front door had been smashed with glass everywhere, and the safe and cash register had been stolen.

“When you come in to open your door, you know, and you come and see that happened to you, makes you feel sad,” Ayed said.

Ayed and her husband are forced to close their business, for now, and they are unsure of what is next.

“I want to see again this place prosper. I want this place to last, because this is their dream, you know? I’m saying, they came here. What a dream. And this is it right here,” said Annette Smith, the owners’ friend and longtime customer.

Now, community, county and local leaders are coming together around a place, they say, is a community cornerstone.

“This is a this is a city staple. This is where the kids grow up. This is where I, myself and my children have grown up. We know this place. We honor this place,” said Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill, who is a Harvey resident.

“For those who don’t have anything to eat, Pacific Subs has opened up their door time and time again to feed the homeless, to just nurture and just really be an anchor of support,” said 2nd Ward Ald. Colby Chapman.

There is an online fundraiser set up for the couple to help them rebuild and reopen.

Harvey police say they are reviewing surveillance video in this area and will be interviewing witnesses, as this case is still under investigation.