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Updated with additional information.
A fundraiser has been launched for Edmonds restaurant Caravan Kebab, which was severely damaged when the driver of a van crashed into the Firdale Village building housing the restaurant early Thursday, March 20. According to a post on GoFundMe, the restaurant expects to be closed for business for the next three to six months while “massive” structural damage is repaired.
According to Edmonds police, the van’s driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked into jail.
The crash “destroyed much of our kitchen,” the GoFundMe post noted. “The impact tore through our refrigerators, freezers, dishwashing and food storage areas. Fortunately, no one was hurt—but the damage means we’ve had to close our doors for the next three to six months.”
Located in Edmonds for 14 years, Caravan Kebab has been a gathering place for the community, according to owner and Chef Shahzad Raja. Raja also has a history of giving back to those in need. In 2023, he collaborated with Volunteers of America Western Washington to distribute 250 meals on Christmas Day around South Snohomish County. Before that, he gave away meals to those who are homeless in different areas, including Seattle’s Pike Place Market.
Now, Raja is hoping the community will help him in return.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have insurance that covers this kind of damage,” the GoFund Me post said. “The costs to rebuild are steep and immediate. We’re doing everything we can to keep going— including looking for creative ways to operate while the restaurant is closed — but we can’t do it alone.”
The restaurant is hoping to raise $50,000 to cover the following:
You can donate via GoFundMe here.
The restaurant notes it will update its goal and needs as circumstances change. “For example, if we are able to acquire new equipment from a donation, we will deduct the value of that equipment from our $50,000 goal,” the GoFundMe post said. “We also are waiting on information about the driver’s insurance status. At the time of the accident, no insurance information was provided. If it turns out that the driver is insured, we will deduct whatever amount their plan will cover.”
The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Foundation approved a $1,000 grant from its WISH Fund to assist, and delivered the check to Raja Friday.
All my best to Raja as he rebuilds this community treasure. Thanks for posting the link to make it easy to contribute!!
CARAVAN K-E-B-A-B
Thanks for spotting the typo — it’s been fixed.
I fully support this family owned business. Our dinners there over the years have been delightful. Whenever they get the capability for any type of meals – like take out of a modified menu, or a pop up kitchen in another facility- I hope MEN will let us know so that we can have Raja’s fine cooking again.
Doesn’t the driver of the vehicle or his/her insurance have financial responsibility for the damage restoration?
Wait a minute— please don’t tell me that this driver [whether it’s a DUI or not!!] didn’t have insurance on the vehicle he was ‘driving’ [property damage AND liability]– that should be the restaurant’s first move in recovery and a claim, if not a lawsuit, should be followup by the restaurant owner. ‘Gofundme’ is fine, but let’s get real here….
Philip Lovell, I agree with you. As I understand it, in Washington State, all drivers are legally required to carry a minimum of lability insurance of $10,000. This should be the first line of defense. Actions have consequences!
The state may require drivers to carry insurance, but that doesn’t mean everyone does. Some people gamble and take the chance that they will not get in an accident. If there’s no insurance, they could sue the driver, but someone without insurance (if that’s the case here) probably doesn’t have the resources to pay anything. That may be why the GoFundMe page was started.
Perhaps, Susan and Philip, you didn’t read the entire article. The owner stated when interviewed that no insurance information was available at the time of the accident and should the driver have insurance, however much is covered will be deducted from the amount they are asking for in Go Fund Me donations.
Just to clarify that was new information added after the others read the story.
I read the article. Since the driver was arrested, I’m pretty sure the question of insurance would be available in the police report. I also noted that the owner stated he didn’t have adequate insurance. That is a risk he took. My son and his partners own 4 pub/restaurants so I know it is expensive but a necessity,
Time is of essence and may go to court taking months or years. I had a DUI hit me right out of prison for serving time as killed a driver before hit me! Took over year to sort out my totaled car and I’m fortunate she did not kill me.
We need VERY VERY SEVERE penalties on DUI drivers.
Wonderful restaurant, wonderful people, a very special place to dine. Wishing all the best for one of our favorites. Absolutely they merit the help that they need to rebuild.
How is the other building tenant doing? Salon Meow. Is their business equally shut down ?
Thanks.