LAUREL, Md. — The family behind a beloved donut shop in Laurel says they are overwhelmed by the support shown by the community they call home. Earlier this month, owner Will Kwon was inside the tiny business when a car slammed into the side of it.
"I thought like a bomb exploded," Will Kwon told WUSA9. "I was very close to it. I was very lucky to survive."
Following the crash, Kwon's son Sean started an online fundraiser to help them rebuild. The shop has not been able to do business since the crash made the building unsafe to occupy. On Tuesday, Sean Kwon announced the fundraiser had reached its goal of $10,000.
According to the fundraising page, nearly 200 people opened their wallets to get the Laurel mainstay back in business.
"Such a Laurel institution and such dedicated people," one backer wrote.
Another backer acknowledged the history of the space. Laurel Tavern Donuts began its life as a fast food burger place called Little Tavern, similar to White Castle, serving mini burgers available by the bagful. The history of Little Tavern burger chain stretches back to 1927, with other locations in Baltimore, Arlington and D.C. The Laurel location is the last one standing. The Kwons still serve the iconic mini burgers on their menu.
"Their donuts and apple fritters are truly some of the best and it is great that they still offer the fondly remembered burger sliders from the former Little Tavern. A place like this needs to go on not just because of their food, it is a piece of history that has and can still bring happiness," wrote backer Stephen Reed.
Sean Kwon said he hopes the shop will be back open soon, but did not say when that might be.
"We're super grateful and humbled by everyone's generosity, and hopefully the store will be up and running as soon as possible. My parents are going to work tirelessly to bring everyone's favorite donuts and mini burgers back on the menu," he said.