A South Los Angeles restaurant whose roof was damaged by Tuesday’s storm was able to defy its owner’s initial belief that it would have to close, thanks to the support of the community.
Chef Marilyn’s, Queen of Down Home Southern Goodies is a staple in South Los Angeles, where its menu of soul food goodies entices the area. During the first storm of the season on Tuesday, the eatery suffered a partial roof collapse. Marily Ann Cole, the owner of the restaurant, was worried she would have to close her restaurant for repairs.
“From the time I hit the door, it was flooded and the water was just flowing,” she said. “I was just devastated. I was here by myself, I didn’t know what to do.”
Before the storm damage, Cole said she was struggling with bills to keep her doors open. So when the roof collapsed, she was convinced it was another heartbreaking setback.
“I’m 70 years old, so it’s hard to start over at 70,” she said.
Once the community heard about the damage, residents nearby rallied to help.
“We’ve had people show up with shovels and pumps and everything, wanting to help,” Cole said.
Cole’s restaurant has been on Crenshaw Boulevard for 37 years. In addition to serving her community her delicious menu, Cole is also an active member of her community who helps those who are down on their luck.
“She feeds everyone, even the homeless, everybody,” said Angelea Evans, Chef Marilyn’s manager. “She employs everyone, anybody that needs a job.”
“I help people that come out of jail and prison and they can come work here and we put them back in the workforce,” Cole said.
Although the restaurant has the support of its community, it’s not out of the woods financially. An online fundraiser has been posted to help Cole raise $10,000 for repairs to help keep her eatery open.