Stolen Car Crashes into Beloved Vinh Chop Suey, Leaving Owners and Community Heartbroken and Uncertain About the Future
ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) For nearly half a century, Vinh Chop Suey, located at 8304 N Broadway, St. Louis, MO, has stood as a culinary anchor in St. Louis’ Baden neighborhood. This humble, family-run restaurant has served generations of loyal customers who consider it a home away from home. Known for its flavorful Chinese-American dishes, friendly service, and affordable comfort food, it was more than just a restaurant; it was a community landmark. But that changed in an instant when a stolen car, fleeing from law enforcement, crashed violently into the restaurant, causing catastrophic damage and forcing the owners to face a future filled with uncertainty.
A Tragic Monday Morning in Baden
The quiet of the Baden area was shattered when a stolen vehicle lost control and slammed into Vinh Chop Suey, leaving a scene of devastation that looked like something from an action movie. The crash occurred on North Broadway near Halls Ferry Road — a familiar corner for thousands of customers who have dined there over the years.
Witnesses reported a loud explosion-like impact as the vehicle tore through the front of the restaurant, sending debris flying into the street. The force of the collision was so severe that the car’s engine was ejected from the vehicle, leaving the entire front section of the building structurally compromised.
Inside, employees were working as usual when the crash occurred. One worker was splashed with hot oil when the impact sent shockwaves through the kitchen, but miraculously, no fatalities were reported. The building, however, suffered extensive damage and has since been condemned by city inspectors, leaving the family unable to reopen until further notice.
The Owners: A Lifetime of Dedication
The heart and soul of Vinh Chop Suey belong to its husband-and-wife owners, who have operated the restaurant for approximately five decades. To them, this business was more than a source of income — it was a lifelong commitment and a love letter to their community.
Day after day, they served everyone from longtime locals to city workers, first responders, and families looking for comfort food. Their recipes — simple, satisfying, and authentic — were built on consistency and care. “My whole life is in here,” the owner reportedly said, struggling to hold back tears. “My whole life are my customers.”
For years, they worked tirelessly to keep prices affordable and service personal, even as chain restaurants moved in and delivery apps changed the dining landscape. While many businesses closed during the pandemic, Vinh Chop Suey remained open, pivoting to takeout and curbside service to stay connected with its loyal patrons.
Now, with the restaurant’s future uncertain, the couple faces one of the most difficult challenges of their lives — deciding whether to rebuild or whether this tragic accident will mark the end of an era.
A Community in Mourning
Few local restaurants have inspired such affection in their neighborhoods as Vinh Chop Suey. The Baden community has long viewed it as an essential gathering spot — a place where neighbors bumped into each other over lunch, where families celebrated milestones, and where regulars were greeted by name.
After news of the crash spread, the community’s response was immediate and heartfelt. Dozens of customers stopped by the scene to express their support, some offering to help clean up debris or contribute to any rebuilding fund that might be established. Others shared emotional memories of first dates, family dinners, or late-night takeout runs that defined their connection to the place.
Social media was flooded with posts from residents mourning the damage and pleading for city officials to assist in rebuilding efforts. The common sentiment was clear: Vinh Chop Suey isn’t just a business — it’s part of St. Louis’ cultural and emotional fabric.
“This restaurant has been here longer than most of us have lived in the neighborhood,” one resident shared. “If they rebuild, we’ll be back on opening day.”
The Crash and the Investigation
According to police reports, the car that destroyed Vinh Chop Suey was stolen and being pursued by an anti-crime task force. The suspect, later identified as Corey V. Davis, reportedly fled from officers attempting to stop him. He avoided spike strips, collided with a fire department ambulance during the chase, and ultimately lost control before crashing into the restaurant.
Authorities say Davis faces a long list of charges, including aggravated fleeing, unlawful possession of a firearm, first-degree property damage, and vehicle tampering. He was arrested at the scene after the crash.
The incident reignites the debate about high-speed pursuits in urban neighborhoods, particularly when innocent bystanders and small businesses suffer devastating consequences. While police chases often involve dangerous suspects, they can also result in collateral damage — something this tight-knit community is now grappling with firsthand.
The owners of Vinh Chop Suey, though thankful no one was killed, are left wondering how they will recover emotionally and financially from the destruction of their livelihood.
Emotional and Financial Impact
When small family-owned restaurants face sudden disasters, the challenges extend far beyond physical rebuilding. Insurance claims, code compliance, lost revenue, and emotional exhaustion can overwhelm even the most resilient business owners.
For Vinh Chop Suey, the condemnation of the building means that repair work cannot begin until engineers determine whether the structure is salvageable. Even then, reconstruction costs may be prohibitive, especially for a small, independently owned restaurant.
The owners have reportedly been allowed to re-enter the building only to retrieve supplies and personal belongings. Each item removed — from a battered wok to a family photo — carries decades of memories.
Whether or not insurance will cover the total loss remains unclear. In many cases, policies have limitations when it comes to vehicle damage or criminal activity, leaving small business owners responsible for a significant share of repair costs.
If rebuilding is not feasible, relocation could be another option, though it presents its own difficulties. Finding an affordable and suitable new space, navigating city permits, and reestablishing a customer base are no small tasks, especially for owners nearing retirement age.
The Broader Lesson for St. Louis
This tragedy is not only about one restaurant — it’s a reflection of the fragile balance that small businesses maintain in urban communities. Every local restaurant represents years of investment, sacrifice, and cultural identity. When one falls, the ripple effects extend to employees, suppliers, and the neighborhood’s sense of place.
In St. Louis, where historic neighborhoods often struggle with economic hardship, incidents like this underscore the importance of community support and small-business resilience. The loss of Vinh Chop Suey is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a blow to neighborhood pride and history.
It also raises questions about citywide strategies to protect and sustain small businesses in the face of unforeseen disasters. Whether through emergency grants, community fundraising, or public-private partnerships, there is growing recognition that local restaurants are vital not just economically, but socially and culturally.
Hope Amid Despair
Despite the heartache, hope remains a powerful force within the Baden community. Customers have already voiced strong support, saying they will return the moment the restaurant reopens. Some have even discussed organizing a GoFundMe campaign to help the owners recover.
Residents say the owners’ kindness over the years — offering extra egg rolls, remembering birthdays, or preparing favorite dishes “just right” — has earned them deep loyalty. “They’ve taken care of us for decades,” one longtime patron said. “Now it’s our turn to take care of them.”
Moments like these remind St. Louisans why local restaurants matter so deeply. They are not faceless corporations; they are families, stories, and memories woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
If Vinh Chop Suey’s owners find the strength to rebuild, their comeback will be a symbol of the community’s resilience. And if they decide to retire, their legacy will live on in the countless meals, smiles, and friendships they helped create.
Looking Forward
As the debris is cleared and the investigation continues, the fate of Vinh Chop Suey remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that St. Louis stands behind them. This incident has stirred both sadness and solidarity — a testament to how deeply one restaurant can touch the lives of many.
City leaders and residents alike hope the family receives the support needed to rebuild or relocate. Whether through city grants, community donations, or local partnerships, St. Louis has a chance to show what it means to rally behind its own.
For now, the lights inside Vinh Chop Suey are off, and the familiar scent of fried rice and sweet-and-sour chicken no longer fills the air. But the spirit of the restaurant — its warmth, its people, and its place in the community — endures.
As one customer put it best: “You can rebuild a building, but you can’t replace what this place means to us.”
Would we get support if we started a GoFundMe page for this family, if they want to rebuild?
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared for St. Louis Restaurant Review as original, independent reporting based on verified public information and eyewitness accounts. The situation remains under investigation, and details may evolve as authorities and the restaurant owners release further updates.
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Martin Smith is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of St. Louis Restaurant Review, STL.News, USPress.News, and STL.Directory. He is a member of the United States Press Agency (ID: 31659) and the US Press Agency.
