ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- It took more than three weeks of renovations and plenty of community support to help reopen the Central Park Cafe near Rochester's Public Market.
The cafe had some major damage after the driver of a car lost control and smashed through the front of the restaurant.
The very first day Ben Tran and his wife opened Central Park Cafe 11 years ago, they made sure their Laos traditions, their good luck charms, greeted customers as they come and go. Ben said the charms worked that early morning, April 16, when a driver lost control of her car and smashed through the cafe.
"I was in shock, I was in shock the whole day but I said I have been through worse than this, I can do this," said Central Park Cafe Owner Ben Tran.
The driver suffered some minor injuries. No one else was hurt, but the damage forced him to close the restaurant for repairs. It's not easy for any business, especially a small family-run cafe.
Friends and family all helped repair the wall, install new windows, carpet, ceiling and paint.
"We were working 7 a.m. to midnight. Everyday we were here. A lot of trips to Home Depot, a lot of trips to Home Depot," said Tran.
Tran said it was his customers who motivated him to reopen.
"A lot of good customers, I mean a lot of good customers. I was so happy. That is what kept me going because all these customers kept coming. When are you open are you okay? Anything we can do for you? They would come and check on me everyday. Not one or two a lot of them," said Tran.
"I call them the mom and pop type of operation I always like it, it's different. I work overnights and do have time to cook in the morning so I stop here and it's like a homemade meal more or less," said customer Catherine Divers.
Tran is glad to see the seats full and is serving up meals seven days a week.