First black-owned wine bar in Arizona temporarily closes after driver rams into building

TEMPE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) – Stylish Chef 77 Bistro and Wine Bar in Tempe on Apache Blvd. shouldn’t be trying so stylish after police say a car crashed into the constructing round 2:25 a.m. on Saturday. “The drunk driver apparently jumped the curve and hit the patio which knocked away the flower cubicles and hit the trash can which broke the window,” mentioned Dr. Rarkimm Fields, the co-owner.

Tempe police arrested the driving force for a hit-and-run and driving underneath the affect. So now there’s yellow tape and a boarded-up window as an alternative of individuals sipping wine on the patio. This occurred simply days after the enterprise opened on Feb. 8 as the primary Black-owned bistro and wine bar in Arizona.

On Feb. 3, Dr. Fields’ spouse, Stylish Chef Nik Fields, spoke to Good Morning Arizona as they ready for his or her grand opening. “We’re simply excited for everybody to affix us and for everybody to expertise Stylish Chef 77 and all that it has to supply,” mentioned Nik Fields.

The joy now turns to frustration. Dr. Fields mentioned the harm would attain six figures and would quickly shut the enterprise. “You battle with that as a result of the misplaced alternative from a income standpoint.. You may’t get it again. We missed out. Our workers missed out on an awesome alternative,” mentioned Dr. Fields.

He hopes the wine will move once more by the tip of subsequent week. Regardless of the large mess, he’s specializing in the optimistic. “I’m grateful that nobody was right here throughout that point. Nobody was damage. That is harm that may be repaired. You recognize, somebody may’ve been injured. Their life may’ve been taken,” mentioned Dr. Fields.

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