Community support helps Ola Cocina reopen after vandalism spree
Popular Vanier taqueria Ola Cocina is open for business again, three days after a devastating break-in and vandalism spree.
Owner Donna Chevrier tearfully accepted a $22,000 cheque Friday, the proceeds of a GoFundMe campaign hastily organized by Nathalie Carrier, executive director of the Vanier BIA.
“This has changed my life. My stars have realigned,” Chevrier told supporters at a crowded door-opening party over the lunch hour, that included Mayor Jim
Watson and councillors Rawlson King and Mathieu Fleury.
“I was ready over the weekend to close. It’s just been so difficult and so hard,” she said. “I had no idea that this little restaurant that could did.
“I wasn’t traumatized by that break-in — you know, just another day in the restaurant business. But it’s what happened afterward that was just unbelievable and unexpected.”
Chevrier said people have called offering to lend her money and equipment or to help with the cleanup.
“And what people have been writing is so moving. I don’t have words.”
Like Chevrier, Carrier said she was overwhelmed by the community support for the GoFundMe — and the restaurant.
“I went to bed and it was at $3,000. When I woke up it was over $11,000,” she said. “It shows how important Donna and the restaurant is for the community.”
Ola Cocina opened nearly six years ago in its tiny location at the corner of Barrette and Loyer streets in Vanier. The vandals trashed Chevrier’s office, stole cash, broke furniture and ripped open fridges and freezers, spoiling thousands of dollars worth of food. The break-in occurred some time after the restaurant closed Sunday night and Chevrier arrived to reopen Tuesday at noon.
There have been no arrests. bcrawford@postmedia.com