Help Caravan Kebab Rebuild After Devastating Accident
Donation protected
What Happened
Shortly after midnight on March 20, 2025, a car crashed through the wall of our restaurant, Caravan Kebab. This sudden and devastating accident caused massive structural damage and destroyed much of our kitchen. The impact tore through our refrigerators, freezers, dishwashing and food storage areas. Fortunately, no one was hurt—but the damage means we’ve had to close our doors for the next three to six months.
For the past 14 years we have built Caravan Kebab as a gathering place for our community. Chef Shahzad has always been committed to using the finest and freshest ingredients to serve the flavors of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and beyond to our friends and neighbors in Edmonds. This accident has put our livelihood on hold—but with your help, we can come back stronger.
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Why We’re Asking for Help
Unfortunately, we didn’t have insurance that covers this kind of damage. The costs to rebuild are steep and immediate. We’re doing everything we can to keep going—including looking for creative ways to operate while the restaurant is closed—but we can’t do it alone.
Your support will go directly toward helping us:
• Pay our staff while the restaurant is closed
• Replace essential commercial kitchen equipment (commercial refrigerators, freezers, and more)
• Restock food inventory that was lost or spoiled in the accident
• Cover temporary operating costs while we get back on our feet
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How the Funds Will Be Used
We’re aiming to raise $50,000 to cover the following:
• Labor Support: $20,000
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment Replacement: $16,000
• Food and Inventory Restocking: $5,000
• Rent, Utilities, and Operating Costs: $9,000
Every dollar helps us move closer to reopening and welcoming you back through our doors.
Note: We will update our goal and needs as circumstances change. For example, if we are able to acquire new equipment from a donation, we will deduct the value of that equipment from our $50,000 goal. We also are waiting on information about the driver's insurance status. At the time of the accident, no insurance information was provided. If it turns out that the driver is insured, we will deduct whatever amount their plan will cover.
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How You Can Help
• Donate whatever you’re able—no amount is too small.
• Share this campaign with your networks to help us spread the word.
• Stay tuned for updates about our progress. If we are able to set up a temporary kitchen or catering operations, we will share those opportunities.
• Visit us once we’re back up and running—we can’t wait to welcome you back to our beloved restaurant.
We’ll post updates along the way so you can see how your support is helping Caravan Kebab come back to life. We also plan to throw a party for supporters once we open again.
Thank you for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.
With gratitude,
The Caravan Kebab Team
Read about Chef Shahzad's community giving over the years:
https://myedmondsnews.com/2023/12/edmonds-restaurant-owner-will-celebrate-his-birthday-distributing-meals-to-those-in-need-christmas-day/
Read Caravan Kebab's origin story:
Co-organizers (2)
Shahzad Raja
Organizer
Edmonds, WA
Erica Mercker
Team member
Nathan Sugg
Team member