On Monday, Labor Day, a car crashed into the front of the Makerie Café, located at 77 Valley Rd in Cos Cob, at the corner of River Rd Extension.
Greenwich Police Lt Smyth said in an email Monday morning that the crash had nothing to do with the intersection or the Stop signs.
The intersection does have a history of crashes and a four-way stop is being considered by the Board of Selectmen who serve as the town’s traffic authority.
Lt Smyth explained that a woman who was already in the parking lot, thought she was pressing her vehicle’s brake, but accidentally pressed the gas pedal causing the vehicle to drive into the building.
Smyth said a written report on the crash will be forthcoming.
Comments on Facebook about the unfortunate incident included memories of the car that crashed into Chocoylatte in 2020. The driver died and the building was condemned. The business never reopened.
On Monday, a GoFundMe page was set up by Greenwich resident Tammie Freccia, to help with unexpected costs for the Makerie Cafe.
Freccia who wrote:
“Labor Day Weekend… time to spend with family, relax, eat good food, and if you are in the food business, one of the few holidays you might get off if you are lucky.
“Lucky… the only word that can be used to describe the unfortunate event at The Makerie today. Closed yesterday (Sunday) and today for the holiday weekend, giving Kirstin and her amazing staff a much-deserved rest. But that was not to be the case as a car drove through the front of the deli/cafe, causing much damage and closing the business until damages are assessed, repaired, and okayed to reopen. Fortunately, no one, including the driver, was harmed.
“Only opening about a year ago, The Makerie has made a name for itself for delicious sandwiches and homemade foods. Affordable prices, friendly staff, and space to stay and eat while catching up with friends in an unrushed atmosphere.
“It’s now time for Greenwich to help this Greenwich native family. While insurance will of course cover expenses (fingers crossed)… there will still be uncovered expenses and day-to-day costs while everything gets sorted out.”
Here is the link to the GoFundMe.
This story will be updated when more information is available from Greenwich Police.
Note: This story was updated to reflect the Board of Selectmen are still considering the proposal for a 4- way stop at the intersection in Cos Cob of River Rd Ext and Valley.