On Sunday night, Mindpub Cafe at 554 E. Fort Ave. in Riverside was hit by a car that veered off the road. Mindpub was not open at the time and no employees were injured.
Owner Nikki Marks told SouthBMore.com that the accident destroyed the brand-new front door of the restaurant and knocked out a pillar. The restaurant’s cement stairs will also likely need to be replaced.
The damage was temporarily reinforced and the cafe is back open. Marks is working through the insurance process and with contractors to get the damage fixed.
Marks said they were very thankful it wasn’t worse and that no one from her team or that any pedestrians were hurt. “It’s just some wood, it could’ve gone a different way,” she said.
On social media, a witness described how neighbors quickly came to scene with fire extinguishers to help pull the driver out of the vehicle.
From Baltimore Police Department:
The driver of the vehicle suffered a medical emergency and struck the steps of a restaurant. The driver was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. No other injuries have been reported.
From Baltimore City Fire Department:
Shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, the Baltimore City Fire Department was dispatched to the 500 block of E. Fort Avenue for reports of a building fire. Upon arrival, units discovered a vehicle on fire that had come into contact with the building. There was no entrapment, and the fire was quickly extinguished. One patient was transported to a local hospital. A building inspector was requested, and the cause of the accident is under investigation.
It’s been a tough week for the Mindpub team as they also recently learned of the passing of former employee Stephanie Titterton. She was 23 years old.
“Stephanie was amazing, super funny, and just finished her master’s degree,” said Marks.
Mindpub is currently listed for sale as Marks hopes to retire soon. She noted, however, she will keep the restaurant open and bring in more managers if the right buyer doesn’t come forward.
