NEWS

Truck crashes into dining area, but pancake house will rise again

Justin L. Mack
justin.mack@Indystar.com

In late April, Hotcakes Emporium diners learned that fire isn't enough to keep the Far Northside restaurant shuttered.

After Sunday, they can add a pickup truck plowing through the front door to the list of obstacles overcame.

The restaurant, 8555 Ditch Road, is set to reopen Tuesday morning, less than two days after an elderly woman drove her Toyota pickup truck deep into the dining area.

No one was hurt, said Angela Dagres, daughter of owner Gus Dagres.

She said the recent rash of bad luck doesn't discourage those running the family business.

"If anything it gives us more drive going forward," she said Monday as she cleaned debris from the restaurant. "We can't wait to open again."

The accident occurred about 2:45 p.m. Sunday, Dagres said. A woman parked in front of the restaurant who likely thought her vehicle was in reverse pressed down on the gas, causing her pickup to shoot forward, hop the curb and smash into the glass entryway.

The pickup made it as far as the cash register that greets customers at the front of the store before coming to a stop. On Monday, tire marks memorializing the truck's traveled path could be seen in the parking lot and on the restaurant's hardwood floor.

Pictures captured by Angela Dagres show shattered glass sitting on the hood of the truck. One of the restaurant's front doors ended up in the flatbed.

"It was so loud," Angela Dagres said.

Employee Peter Fterniatis was working when the truck barreled into the business. He is thankful that the crash happened near the restaurant's closing time of 3 p.m. and not when business was at its peak.

"If it was earlier in the day there could have been people waiting in front for a table or something," he said. "We're just so thankful that no one was hurt."

The enthusiasm of the staff to reopen was shared by regular customers who live in the area. Many stopped by Monday to ask what happened and how things were progressing. Those unaware of the crash were shocked to hear the details.

"It's a shame, but I'm so glad that they don't let anything stop them," said resident Marilyn Grace. "We love it here. Everyone is so nice, and the food is great. I just want them to know that they have my support."

Damage estimates for Sunday's crash were not immediately available. The fire in April, caused by discarded smoking materials, did about $125,000 worth of damage.

Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.