Community Rallies For Matawan Mexican Restaurant Destroyed By Fire

MATAWAN, NJ — The Matawan community is rallying behind locals' favorite eatery Aby's Mexican Restaurant, which was entirely destroyed in a fire two weeks ago, on April 5.

The 2:30 a.m. fire destroyed the Mexican restaurant and damaged a pet shop next store, Feather Fabulous Birds.

This GoFundMe has now been launched to help Aby's Mexican Restaurant: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aby...

"We're starting this fundraiser on behalf of our dear friends, the Martinez family," wrote Bryan Zakutansky, who organized the fundraiser. "Their family restaurant, Aby's Mexican Restaurant, has been a staple in the local community since May of 2002 when they first opened, providing some of the best Mexican cuisine in the area. Just a month shy of their 20th anniversary, tragedy struck."

"On the night of April 4, a fire claimed the restaurant," it read. "As you can imagine, the family is now devastated by the loss of their pride and joy. With the restaurant being their primary source of income and supporting their family for the last twenty years, there is a long road ahead. Aby's has been an integral part of the community for almost two decades, and we want to make sure it stays that way. We're hoping this fundraiser will help with the sudden and unexpected financial hardships the Martinez family has incurred from this loss. Any and every donation will help. Thank you for your generosity and time."

So far, the GoFundMe page has collected more than $12,000 for the family that owned Aby's Mexican Restaurant. Dena Orfanitopoulos donated and commented, "Sending love! We always enjoy our meals at Aby's. You will be back stronger!!"

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