Bougie's Cheese Shop, the charming boutique market and gathering space located in the historic Levy House on Date Avenue, is sounding the alarm after posting video showing a woman removing plants from the property. In a post to their official Instagram account on June 20, Bougie's shared video footage of the same woman allegedly returning to the property around 4:30am, wearing what appears to be a black wig.
In the video, she is seen calmly pulling a shrub directly from the ground. The shop claims she may have also made off with a solar lantern. According to the post, this same woman first targeted the business back in January, that time sporting what was described as "red hair outgrowth."
"PLANTnapper back at it," read the caption. "Somebody out there knows her. Make sure you look at the video of her ripping the shrub out of the ground."
"PLANTnapper back at it," read the caption. "Somebody out there knows her. Make sure you look at the video of her ripping the shrub out of the ground."
The theft has sparked outrage and disbelief among the La Mesa community, many of whom have rallied around Bougie's since its opening earlier this year. The shop, co-owned by Jacqueline Bougie and Melanie Estes, has become a neighborhood favorite thanks to its curated selection of American-made artisanal cheeses, gourmet goods, and soon, a sister concept - Harvest Wine Bar - run by Level 3 sommelier Andy Lowry.
Set inside a century-old craftsman home, the space features a back patio landscaped with plants, fruit trees, and fire pits. Many of the garden elements are not just decorative but functional, with herbs and garnishes used in cheese pairings and boards.
Bougie's opened as part of the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP), an initiative aimed at supporting local small businesses. Since opening, the shop has hosted tasting events, classes, and contributed to the ongoing revitalization of downtown La Mesa.
As of now, the plant thief remains unidentified. Bougie's is asking the public to watch the surveillance footage posted on their Instagram and come forward if they recognize the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact La Mesa Police or reach out to the business directly.
"She’s been here before," the post reads. "She’ll probably be back again unless someone steps up."
Bougie's Cheese Shop is located at 4679 Date Avenue in San Diego's La Mesa. For more information, visit bougiescheeseshop.com.
Set inside a century-old craftsman home, the space features a back patio landscaped with plants, fruit trees, and fire pits. Many of the garden elements are not just decorative but functional, with herbs and garnishes used in cheese pairings and boards.
Bougie's opened as part of the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP), an initiative aimed at supporting local small businesses. Since opening, the shop has hosted tasting events, classes, and contributed to the ongoing revitalization of downtown La Mesa.
As of now, the plant thief remains unidentified. Bougie's is asking the public to watch the surveillance footage posted on their Instagram and come forward if they recognize the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact La Mesa Police or reach out to the business directly.
"She’s been here before," the post reads. "She’ll probably be back again unless someone steps up."
Bougie's Cheese Shop is located at 4679 Date Avenue in San Diego's La Mesa. For more information, visit bougiescheeseshop.com.
