More Trouble For North Shore Restaurant Closed After Driver Slams Into Building

UPDATED 2:30 p.m.

LYNNFIELD, MA — A Lynnfield restaurant is closed indefinitely — with owners asking for public support — after a driver slammed into the building late Saturday night and a second location in Methuen was also temporarily closed on Monday.

School Street Foods owners said the crash caused thousands of dollars of damage and will require closing the Lynnfield location for a significant duration. The owners have set up a GoFundMe page to help owners and staff "navigate the immediate financial impact of this unexpected disaster."

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They had also asked customers looking to support the restaurant and staff to visit the Methuen location — where much of the staff will be relocated during the closure.

But on Monday, owners said a "misunderstanding involving our Methuen location has us temporarily closed until we can get a few things straightened out with the city."

"For the moment, we have nowhere to operate from," owners said. "Our employees are out of work, and we’re unable to generate any revenue for the business while we work through these challenges."

Owners said over the weekend that they were "hopeful that we'll be able to rebuild and get things back up and running (in Lynnfield.)"

"But if this ends up being the close of our chapter in Lynnfield, we want to say thank you," owners said. "Thank you to every customer who supported us, every family who stopped by, every regular who made us part of their routine, and everyone who believed in what we were building.

"No matter what happens next, we're incredibly grateful for the memories, relationships, and support we’ve received along the way."

State Police told media outlets that the driver, a 19-year-old from Lynnfield, failed to stop for police on Route 1 before the crash, and will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and other crimes in Peabody District Court.

"School Street Foods is more than just a restaurant," owners said. "It is a family-owned business built through years of hard work, long hours, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of our community.

"What started from humble beginnings has grown because of our loyal customers, dedicated employees, friends, and neighbors who believed in us every step of the way."

The GoFundMe has a goal of $25,000. As of Monday morning, it had already raised more than $5,500.

"While we work through the insurance process, there are critical expenses that cannot wait," the GoFundMe said.

The page said the support will help preserve jobs during "this uncertain time," including the hopeful transition of employees to the Methuen location when it reopens, as well as cover other business costs while the insurance claims are processed.

"School Street Foods has always been built by the community, for the community," owners said. "We have celebrated milestones together, weathered challenges together, and now we are asking for your support during one of the toughest moments we have ever faced.

"Whether we rebuild this location or begin a new chapter elsewhere, we are incredibly grateful for every customer, employee, friend, and supporter who has been part of our journey."