Gumbo’s won’t reopen today

You can’t blame the operators of Gumbo’s in downtown Mount Clemens for being a little mixed up after a motorist crashed through the front window last week.

In a social media post, someone from the eatery indicated they’d be back open for business this Monday, offering home-cooked Cajun and Creole dishes.

Then they had second thoughts.

“Unfortunately, we were optimistic in thinking we could open on Monday,” venue operators said on Facebook on Saturday. “However, after assessing the damage done to our main side we will be unable to open. We will be doing our utmost to open back up as fast as possible. All the love and support is very much appreciated and acknowledged and we thank all of you from the bottom of our heart.”

Gumbo’s was forced to close after an elderly woman attempting to park her Lincoln SUV smashed through the entrance in the heart of the city’s downtown section around 1 p.m. Friday.

Capt. Tom Moceri of the Mount Clemens Fire Department said the driver apparently thought she was pressing the brake pedal when she went to park but she actually had her foot on the accelerator.

Although shaken up, the woman was not seriously hurt. Several patrons seated at tables inside the restaurant also managed to escape the approaching vehicle.

Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp was in the building when the incident took place. Afterward, she shared her feelings on the incident on social media.

“That was a moment I’ll never forget watching first the tree come through the window followed by the car. It was like slow motion. Feeling very thankful that everyone is safe,” she wrote on Facebook.

Gumbo’s operators did not indicate when they anticipate being able to reopen, but added they will keep the public updated on their Facebook site.