Beloved chef Mrs. Yu was robbed and attacked in SF
Donation protected
Update 4/14 8:30AM PST:
It's only been 12 hours since the fundraiser being shared publicly, and the goal is already reached. Thank you everyone who contributed and/or shared the words. We are truly amazed and touched by the support from the community. Personally, I was thinking of letting the campaign run for at least 24hours since Mrs Yu's belongings were also taken and they had to replace car locks, door locks and etc. However Mrs. Yu's daughter Val said they initially just wanted to spread the words so that others can be more careful and aware, so this fundraiser is an unexpected generous gift from the community. "We are already so grateful, and we shouldn't take advantage of people’s love and support. " said Val. Per her request, I'll be ending this fundraiser. Mrs Yu is already added as the beneficiary of the fundraiser. When the family withdraw, I'll give an update.
Thank you for your kind soul <3
- Chong
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Update 4/13 8PM PST:
Our local journalist and author Dion Lim shared Mrs Yu's story on her IG . However I'm sure most of the donors here heard from her first. Thank you Dion, thank you everyone!
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This is Mrs. Yu, the chef behind the family owned small restaurant Zen Noodle Bar in San Mateo, CA. On 4/5/2022 10AM, she was robbed and attacked in SF in broad daylight. The attacker pushed her to the ground which resulted in her head hitting first, leaving bad head injury (swollen to 125% of her original head size) and multiple bad bruisings over her body. Mrs. Yu is traumatized that she can't sleep at night or feel safe to rest alone at home. Due to her injury, she's also not been able to work.
My name is Chong. I'm a long term customer turned friend of the family. They didn't ask me to set up a gofundme, but based on common sense of what losing a chef means to a small business, plus all the emergency caused big expenses, I think any kind of support would help them get through this rough time a little easier.
Due to the pandemic impact, Zen Noodle's rent increased, so they had to open for extra hours make up the difference. I asked about why hasn't they increased prices (currently below market price) to reflect the crazy inflation just like what most restaurants did. They told me most of their customers are long term customers, they hope to carry the cost weight for as long as possible so long term customers don't have to pay more to enjoy their food. I also asked them why don't they use machines more in their dumplings and buns making process, they told me they enjoy making everything by hand. "My dad sings his little tune when he wrap those dumplings" told by the daughter of the family.
It's a rough time for most people. Please take care of yourself first if you are struggling to make ends meet, but if you are ever in the San Mateo area, come visit this 4 star restaurant made with ❤️ and say hi to the lovely family. We appreciate any support you'd consider giving.
⬇️ A few photos about the restaurant and the family
Their restaurant
The crew preparing for guests coming in for the Lunar New Year (they didn't take time off for Xmas, New year, or the Lunar New Year). Mrs Yu and Mr Yu are in the middle of the picture.
The family was in total shock the day when it happened. They didn't take any photos of the injury themselves. This is one photo taken yesterday 4/12/2022, after over a week of recovery.
Thank you!
- Chong & Friends
It's only been 12 hours since the fundraiser being shared publicly, and the goal is already reached. Thank you everyone who contributed and/or shared the words. We are truly amazed and touched by the support from the community. Personally, I was thinking of letting the campaign run for at least 24hours since Mrs Yu's belongings were also taken and they had to replace car locks, door locks and etc. However Mrs. Yu's daughter Val said they initially just wanted to spread the words so that others can be more careful and aware, so this fundraiser is an unexpected generous gift from the community. "We are already so grateful, and we shouldn't take advantage of people’s love and support. " said Val. Per her request, I'll be ending this fundraiser. Mrs Yu is already added as the beneficiary of the fundraiser. When the family withdraw, I'll give an update.
Thank you for your kind soul <3
- Chong
-------
Update 4/13 8PM PST:
Our local journalist and author Dion Lim shared Mrs Yu's story on her IG . However I'm sure most of the donors here heard from her first. Thank you Dion, thank you everyone!
-------
This is Mrs. Yu, the chef behind the family owned small restaurant Zen Noodle Bar in San Mateo, CA. On 4/5/2022 10AM, she was robbed and attacked in SF in broad daylight. The attacker pushed her to the ground which resulted in her head hitting first, leaving bad head injury (swollen to 125% of her original head size) and multiple bad bruisings over her body. Mrs. Yu is traumatized that she can't sleep at night or feel safe to rest alone at home. Due to her injury, she's also not been able to work.
My name is Chong. I'm a long term customer turned friend of the family. They didn't ask me to set up a gofundme, but based on common sense of what losing a chef means to a small business, plus all the emergency caused big expenses, I think any kind of support would help them get through this rough time a little easier.
Due to the pandemic impact, Zen Noodle's rent increased, so they had to open for extra hours make up the difference. I asked about why hasn't they increased prices (currently below market price) to reflect the crazy inflation just like what most restaurants did. They told me most of their customers are long term customers, they hope to carry the cost weight for as long as possible so long term customers don't have to pay more to enjoy their food. I also asked them why don't they use machines more in their dumplings and buns making process, they told me they enjoy making everything by hand. "My dad sings his little tune when he wrap those dumplings" told by the daughter of the family.
It's a rough time for most people. Please take care of yourself first if you are struggling to make ends meet, but if you are ever in the San Mateo area, come visit this 4 star restaurant made with ❤️ and say hi to the lovely family. We appreciate any support you'd consider giving.
⬇️ A few photos about the restaurant and the family
Their restaurant
The crew preparing for guests coming in for the Lunar New Year (they didn't take time off for Xmas, New year, or the Lunar New Year). Mrs Yu and Mr Yu are in the middle of the picture.
The family was in total shock the day when it happened. They didn't take any photos of the injury themselves. This is one photo taken yesterday 4/12/2022, after over a week of recovery.
Thank you!
- Chong & Friends
Organizer and beneficiary
Chong Zhang
Organizer
San Mateo, CA
Huiqing Shi
Beneficiary