Famous Hilltop Sign May Have Been Swiped

When Robin Miller stood and watched the demolition of the Hilltop Restaurant Tuesday morning, she had tears in her eyes—the partner of later owner Nick Donato, Jr., she spent years working at the eatery.

But her distress was intensified by something unexpected—the possible theft of that sat atop the once-popular spot and lit up Route 59.

Miller said the superintendent of demolition had agreed to do his best to keep the sign safe during the removal process. After the Nyack Historical Society noted they did not have room for the piece, a daughter of Nick Donato, Jr.—one of the restaurant's founding brothers—said she would take it home.

But last Friday, when the letters were being taken down, things didn't go according to plan. A scrap metal worker at the scene sold the letters to a man for $100 who came by in a white van, Miller said.

"I showed up Saturday morning and the building was still standing, but there was no sign," she added. "I'm so upset—we had everything in place."

Miller notified that same day, and said she is currently in touch with the man who has the sign.

"He's holding them ransom," she said. "He wants $1,500."

Orangetown Police were not immediately available for comment.

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Read about the Hilltop's history , and the Walgreens that will replace it .