Red Hot Mamma, a Neapolitan pizzeria in Solihull, has said it is 'speechless' after being targeted by what it describes as 'repeated acts of vandalism' on its summer terrace. The restaurant, located on Station Road, reported that displays have been 'deliberately pushed over' and plants have been 'pulled out and stolen', with some people even sitting on the planters to 'have a casual chat'.
Independent restaurant speaks out on social media
In a statement issued on social media, Red Hot Mamma said it was 'genuinely heart-breaking' to see the damage. The restaurant, which opened in November 2024, emphasised that it is an independent, family-run business. 'We're honestly speechless,' the statement read. 'Over recent weeks, our terrace at Red Hot Mamma Solihull has been subjected to repeated acts of vandalism.'
The statement detailed the incidents: 'From people deliberately pushing over our displays, to plants being pulled out and stolen, and even people deciding our planters are somewhere to sit and have a casual chat.' The restaurant stressed that what might seem like 'a bit of fun' has a 'very real impact' on the business.
Impact on a family-run business
Red Hot Mamma explained that every detail of the terrace, from the flowers to the decor, is chosen, paid for, and cared for by the team. 'Every little detail you see - from the flowers we plant to the way we decorate our terrace, has been chosen, paid for and cared for by our team to make our little corner of Solihull somewhere special for our customers,' the statement continued. 'To repeatedly come in and find that hard work damaged, destroyed or taken is genuinely heart-breaking.'
The restaurant highlighted the ongoing cost and effort involved: 'These displays aren't just objects. They represent our time, our money and the love we put into our restaurant every single day. We shouldn't have to keep replacing plants. We shouldn't have to keep repairing our terrace. And we shouldn't have to ask people not to deliberately damage somebody else's property.'
Appeal to the community
Despite the incidents, Red Hot Mamma expressed its affection for Solihull, noting that the 'overwhelming majority' of visitors are 'absolutely wonderful'. The statement concluded with an appeal: 'But please, respect our restaurant, our team and the work that goes into making Red Hot Mamma what it is.'
The restaurant is located at 50 Station Rd, Solihull, B91 3RX. The incidents have prompted the business to speak publicly in hopes of preventing further damage.
