If you usually grab your Friday lunch at the corner of Hornby and Nelson, you might have seen a very different scene this morning. Around 10 a.m., an SUV crashed directly through the front entrance of Pokerrito, shattering the glass and sending debris across the sidewalk.
What Actually Happened?
While a car in a storefront usually suggests a pedal error, this one was actually the result of a collision. According to the driver of the SUV (who shared their story on Reddit), they were T-boned by a delivery driver who reportedly ran a red light. The impact sent the SUV careening off the road and straight into the restaurant.
VPD has confirmed the incident, and luckily, despite the ambulance on the scene, no injuries were reported. A customer was reportedly near the back of the shop at the time but was untouched.
A Moment of Vancouver Kindness
The driver expressed their profound gratitude for the “kind-hearted souls” who stopped to offer water, food, and emotional support immediately after the crash. It’s a powerful reminder of how the community can step up during a stressful situation. However, the driver didn’t mince words regarding the “reckless” driving they’ve seen from delivery apps lately, calling it a “life or death equation” for daily commuters.
Status of Pokerrito
Pokerrito posted to their Instagram story shortly after, confirming that their team is safe and uninjured. However, due to the significant damage to the storefront, they will be temporarily closed until repairs are completed.
In happier news, if you’re looking for a new spot while you wait for repairs, there’s Fortune Katsu opening near Metrotown on March 24 that we’re really excited about.
The BiteBuddy team is sending good vibes to the Pokerrito staff for a quick rebuild. We’ll keep you posted on when you can get your Hornby poke bowls again! 👇
