The city of La Vergne, Tennessee was shaken on a Tuesday afternoon when a driver crashed his car into the MexiChina restaurant, causing significant damage to the establishment. Despite the destruction, the owners of the restaurant, Yara Mendoza and her family, expressed relief that no one was hurt in the incident. Yara Mendoza shared her emotional reaction to the devastation, stating, „I immediately started crying because I saw everything destroyed. It’s just sadness and at the same time very grateful that everyone’s OK.“
The close call was highlighted by the fact that there were no customers or employees in the main room at the time of the crash. Yara’s family members, who were seated at the back of the restaurant just a few feet away from where the car came to a stop, were unharmed. Yara’s son, Kenny Hernandez, reflected on the potential tragedy that was narrowly avoided, saying, „It was 3:30. Somebody could’ve walked in, ordered fried rice or a lo mein and sat down and ate, and their life could’ve been taken away.“
La Vergne officials reported that a police report regarding the incident is still being finalized. The driver allegedly crashed into the restaurant while attempting to pull in to get food, although the exact reason for the crash remains unknown. Despite the setback, Yara Mendoza remains hopeful for the future, stating, „We’re gonna start from zero and I hope — because I know we have a lot of clients that love this place —I just hope to see them back.“
In the wake of the accident, the family’s other business, Mexichina Express in Murfreesboro, continues to operate. However, with MexiChina temporarily out of commission, employees are currently without work. Those looking to support the restaurant and its employees are encouraged to reach out and offer assistance by contacting the establishment directly.
As the community rallies around MexiChina and its owners, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigations are ongoing to determine how and why the driver caused the accident. In the meantime, the focus remains on rebuilding and restoring the beloved restaurant to its former glory.
This story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of small businesses in the face of adversity. The outpouring of support from the community showcases the power of unity and compassion in times of crisis. As the owners of MexiChina work to overcome this setback, they are grateful for the support and solidarity shown by their loyal customers and the La Vergne community.