Kuku’s restaurant on Burnside Road West was forced to close on Wednesday after an SUV suddenly veered over the sidewalk and into the eatery about 8:45 a.m., causing significant damage.
The SUV, whose driver is believed to have suffered a medical incident, came to a stop in the parking lot of a nearby 7-Eleven after bouncing off a pole, said owner Randy Madahar.
Kuku’s was closed at the time and no one was inside. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.
The crash left the restaurant behind barriers erected by the District of Saanich, with the damaged section covered in plywood.
The restaurant has been providing dinner for the homeless every Wednesday and Sunday for six years, and Madahar said he plans to continue, crash or no crash.
The dinner goes out by van to the downtown area with a couple of volunteers. Since there was no food coming from the restaurant Wednesday, Madahar said the plan was to stock the van with sandwiches and pizza.
Measures were taken to secure the building after Saanich crews arrived to do an inspection. They will be back today, said Madahar.
The extent of the damage is unclear. “We have no idea,” said Madahar, noting the timing of the crash was unfortunate.
“This is our busiest time of the year. It’s Christmas.”
