A sushi restaurant in Evergreen, Colorado, has made a triumphant return after temporarily closing its doors in the wake of a tragic shooting at a neighbouring clinic. Sushi Win Jr., owned by Ryan Win and his family, benefitted from an outpouring of community support that culminated in a successful fundraising campaign.
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On February 12, the shooting incident unfolded when a 62-year-old man, reportedly distressed over personal medical issues, discharged 19 shotgun rounds into the clinic next door. Fortunately, there were no injuries associated with the incident, as the assailant took his own life shortly thereafter.
Ryan Win, the owner of Sushi Win Jr., recounted his experience during the harrowing event. He was in the midst of preparations for a reservation when he heard a loud bang. After glimpsing a shotgun shell lying in the street outside the clinic, Ryan realised the gravity of the situation. Moving quickly, he notified his parents, who established the restaurant in 2013, and urged a father and daughter dining in the restaurant to call the police.
Amid the chaos, Win guided his family and patrons to safety, including the young girl who had been hiding within the restaurant. “She immediately ran to my arms, and I carried her out,” he recalled, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment.
Following the shooting, Win made a heartfelt decision to keep Sushi Win Jr. closed for an extended period, despite facing pressure from insurance matters. “I wanted to give Evergreen the respect that it deserves,” he explained. His reasoning was deeply tied to the community’s prior experience with tragedy, stemming from a school shooting incident at Evergreen High School the previous year, which resulted in injuries to two students.
The closure was not merely a business decision; it was a gesture of respect for a community that had already experienced significant trauma. Win expressed empathy for families still healing from the past incident. “Seeing how the community reacted to that tragedy and how the girl held onto me and cried on my shoulder… made it clear that I couldn’t just immediately open,” he said.
In the face of his own struggles, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the financial burdens created by the closure, including rent and employee wages. The response from the community surpassed all expectations, raising over $20,000 to support the business during its hiatus.
“The support completely humbled me,” Win acknowledged, “and I was blown away by how the community rallied to help me get back on my feet.”
On March 6, Sushi Win Jr. reopened, initially offering takeout service as an initial step towards recovery. Thanks to strong community backing, Win was able to resume sit-down dining shortly thereafter. He shared feelings of gratitude, stating that the local customers continually reached out to check on the well-being of both him and his family.
“I’m in forever debt to Evergreen now because it’s absolutely amazing what they did for me,” he remarked, emphasising the bond he feels with the community.
The story of Sushi Win Jr. serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that can emerge from even the darkest circumstances, showcasing the profound impact that local support can have on a business and its owner during trying times. As the community moves forward from the events of February, the reopening of Sushi Win Jr. signifies not just a return to normalcy for the restaurant but a collective healing for Evergreen.