Santa Fe’s beloved Boultawn’s Bagelry, a cornerstone of the Guadalupe Street community, recently faced its latest challenge: a brazen overnight burglary that underscores the persistent struggles of local businesses.

Owner Tawn Dix made the unsettling discovery arriving at 4 a.m. Thursday to begin his daily dough preparation, finding a window on the south side of his establishment, located at 226 N. Guadalupe St., compromised. Iron bars, typically securing the opening, had been forcefully removed, granting intruders access to his cherished business.

What followed the break-in was a scene both frustrating and peculiar. Dix described finding a “trail of Apple Jacks” cereal scattered from his shop, across the street, and into a landscaped flowerbed. Further investigation by police uncovered banana peels and empty milk cartons, leading Dix to suspect homeless individuals frequently sheltering in the nearby flowerbed were responsible.

Beyond the theft, the burglars left behind a significant mess, trashing the business and forcing Dix to spend three to four grueling hours on cleanup. This added burden not only delayed his operations but also deepened his frustration, highlighting the immense pressure small business owners face when unexpected setbacks occur.

This incident is not an isolated event but rather the latest in a series of hardships for Boultawn’s Bagelry. For nearly two years, the ongoing Guadalupe Street renovation project has severely hampered access to his shop, drastically reducing foot traffic and revenue, pushing Dix to the brink of despair on multiple occasions.

Despite the financial blow, Dix has chosen to absorb the cost of the damages himself, opting against filing an insurance claim. He believes that the long-term increase in premiums would ultimately cost him more than repairing the immediate damages, a tough decision reflecting the tight margins many local establishments operate within.

The challenges faced by Boultawn’s extend beyond the current street project and recent burglary. Dix recounts a continuous struggle that began with the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in 2020, followed by significant traffic disruptions caused by the replacement of the Guadalupe Street bridge three years prior.

Historically, Guadalupe Street thrived during summer months, attracting considerable crowds from events like the Traditional Spanish Market and Santa Fe Indian Market. The ongoing construction has, however, transformed this once-bustling corridor into an obstacle course, significantly impacting the vibrancy and economic health of local establishments like Dix’s.

Despite these compounding adversities, Dix’s resolve remains unshaken, serving as a testament to the resilience of Santa Fe’s small business community striving to overcome relentless operational challenges.