Gilbert's Dragon Wok reopens three months after the tragic accident in its building

GILBERT, Arizona. – A Gilbert The restaurant had to close for months after Driver took his own life and crashed his car into the building.

The accident occurred on May 14 at around 10 a.m. near the intersection of Ray and Cooper Road. Employees of the Chinese restaurant Dragon Wok Fine had to collect the debris after the accident.

Now, three months later, Dragon wok is open again.

The owners, who have owned the company for decades, speak openly about their struggle to preserve their family business.

For Sam and Lola Setzo, reopening their doors hasn't been an easy process. They say it was only possible because of the community's help.

“It's not about the damage to the restaurant,” Sam said. “It's more about the damage to my family and my heart.”

The Setzos opened Dragon Wok 19 years ago but had to close it in May after a car drove through their windows and landed in the kitchen.

“When he closed, we closed too,” said Lisa Power, a Dragon Wok customer for 18 years.

Sam paid his employees as long as he could, but there was no opening date and he still had a mortgage to pay. The damage was so bad that Sam feared they would never reopen.

“But I said I have to make a comeback,” Sam said.

“I’ve been coming here for 18 or 19 years,” said longtime customer Dale Mason.

Power said: “18 years. It's been really hard for everyone to watch. They work really hard and have the best Chinese food in town.”

With new windows, new kitchen walls, fresh plumbing and a redesigned entrance, Dragon Wok is now bustling again.

“The first day back was great. Everyone wants to be the first customer,” said Sam.

Lola and Sam couldn't do it alone. It was their customers, including contractors, painters, plumbers and window installers, who gave up their time to help Dragon Wok reopen.

“This is Gilbert, Chandler,” said Lola. “Everyone help.”

Sam says, “I consider them more like family than customers. They say, 'Hey brother, hey cousin.' They call me family.”

He calls this a new chapter.

“Every day feels like a party,” Sam said. “I'm living the American dream.”

Now whole generations of families are coming back. Sam and Lola are at the door and welcome them with open arms.

“Before the children were born, and look at the children, they are all grown up and in college. Some are two or three generations older. That makes me feel good. I feel a little older, but it's all good,” Sam said.

It took longer than hoped for Sam and Lola to reopen, so the pair are back to work serving and clearing tables. Sam says some of his old staff will be returning soon.

Another positive aspect is that the Gilbert company is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.