Do you recognize these men? The Reef is seeking tips in stolen art case.

The owners of The Reef restaurant and bar in Downtown Boise say three men walked out of the building with a piece of artwork that did not belong to them on a Thursday night in late May.

A former longtime employee, Cera Grindstaff, created the pencil drawing. It depicts two hands holding four beer glasses.

Chad Johnson and his wife paid $500 to Grindstaff for the drawing, which took her two months to complete. Johnson said it carries a lot of sentimental value.

Grindstaff is “near and dear to both my wife and me,” he said. “She did it as a labor of love.”

Johnson said he and his wife have not filed a police report. “I didn’t think that that would really help” as much as seeking tips from the public, he said.

For one thing, the men paid their $50 tab in cash. They didn’t stiff their bartender, but they didn’t leave a paper trail or a name that Johnson could give to police, either.

The details, according to Johnson:

The theft happened around 10 p.m. on May 25 at the restaurant, which occupies the second story and the roof of a two-story building at Sixth and Main streets. The men dined on the rooftop patio, sitting at the bar. On their way out, one of the men stopped to use the restroom at The Front Door on the first floor — a pizzeria and taphouse that is also owned by Johnson. He walked out with the painting.

Johnson is offering a $100 reward to the person who helps recover the painting. He welcomes anonymous tips. Call (208) 287-9200 or contact the business through its Facebook page.

This story was originally published June 14, 2017 at 3:36 PM with the headline "Do you recognize these men? The Reef is seeking tips in stolen art case.."