Historic Mundare Sausage Store Experiences First Break-In After 70 Years
For nearly seven decades, Stawnichy's Mundare Sausage store operated without incident, becoming a beloved Alberta institution known for its locally made smoked sausages. That streak ended abruptly on April 8, 2026, when two suspects smashed their way into the business located approximately 80 kilometers east of Edmonton.
The Costly Break-In
Vegreville RCMP responded to a business alarm just before midnight at 5210 50 Street in Mundare. Surveillance footage revealed two individuals breaking windows and a door to gain entry. The thieves jumped over the front counter, ripped a cash register from its mounting, and fled through the damaged exit.
"The most frustrating aspect is the complete disproportion between what they stole and the damage they caused," explained Kyler Zeleny, assistant general manager and member of the Stawnichy family that operates the business. "They escaped with a register containing only $80 to $90 in coins but left us with nearly $4,000 in repair bills. In today's world, nobody keeps significant cash in registers anymore."
A 'Meaty' Incentive for Information
In response to the crime, the business has introduced an unconventional reward system. "We've tried to sweeten this by offering a reward of 100 sausage rings of locally made, locally smoked Mundare sausage," Zeleny announced. This unique incentive aims to generate community involvement in identifying the suspects while highlighting the store's signature products.
The break-in represents more than just property damage for the family-run establishment. "Property crime, especially in small towns, is an ongoing problem," Zeleny noted. "Many businesses in these communities have experienced break-ins or vandalism. We were fortunate to have avoided it for so long."
Community Response and Recovery
Despite the disruption, the store managed to reopen the following day with minimal operational issues. Zeleny praised his staff for their quick response and dedication in overcoming the incident. After posting about the break-in on social media, the business received overwhelming support from the local community.
"People have been calling to offer support and visiting the store to make additional purchases," Zeleny reported. "This solidarity demonstrates how communities come together during challenging times."
Ongoing Investigation
RCMP continue to investigate the incident and have reportedly received numerous tips from the public. Zeleny remains in regular contact with law enforcement as they work to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The sausage-ring reward serves multiple purposes: bringing attention to the case, encouraging community participation in solving rural crime, and maintaining the business's positive relationship with its customers. While the break-in has created unexpected challenges, the store's response reflects both resilience and creativity in addressing property crime in small-town Alberta.
