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Two gunmen tried to rob a restaurant outside Brookwood Village Sunday, and at least one shot was fired during the holdup.

The robbery happened about 10 p.m. at Grille 29. Authorities say two black males armed with at least one gun and pepper spray enter Grille 29 at closing time. They went in through the back door and demanded money, said Jefferson County sheriff's Sgt. Jack Self.

The suspects announced a robbery, Self said, and ordered the employees to the floor. They went to the front of the restaurant, then left through the back door.

The robbers left empty-handed. One of the suspects fired a shot as they fled the parking lot, but no one was injured. They left in a red Chevrolet HHR.

Nearly 40 minutes later, there was a similar robbery at Outback Steakhouse on U.S. 280. The description was similar to the pair in the Brookwood holdup. A lookout bulletin was issued in that robbery, Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Bryan Shelton said no suspects are in custody.

Troy Goldman, director of operations at Grille 29, provided this statement this morning: "The safety of our Grille 29 customers and staff is our top priority, and we are grateful that no one was injured during these acts of violence in our community. Thankfully the robbery occurred after restaurant hours and no guests were present. However the situation was very alarming to our Grille 29 staff and we are working closely with the sheriff's department in support of their investigation. During our remodel, and in cooperation with Brookwood Village security, we included an extensive security program into the restaurant facility, and we will continue to review those systems."

Both robberies remain under investigation. Self asked that anyone with information call the sheriff's office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.