Family-owned restaurant reopens in East Haven after car crashes into building

A family-owned restaurant in East Haven has reopened less than a week after a car crashed into the side of the building, forcing a temporary closure.

The crash happened the morning of April 17 at Hot Roostah, a Jamaican restaurant on Foxon Road. The impact left visible damage to the structure, including a boarded-up wall where the vehicle struck.

Owners Annastassia Scott and her husband, Basil Waite, were on vacation in Ireland when they received the news.

“Where we were, it was a little after 10, going to 11 in the morning. We had just come from breakfast,” Scott said. “When we actually saw it through photos and video … it was just like, ‘OK, this is serious.’”

The couple quickly booked a flight home and began coordinating repairs.

“We spoke to the building inspectors and the city health department and said, ‘What do we need to do to get this open?’” Scott said. With help from family and staff, much of the initial work was completed within days.

Photos released by the East Haven Police Department show the extent of the damage from the crash.

Waite said while the building damage was concerning, he was relieved no one was killed.

“The loss of life would’ve been tragic,” he said. “It was said he fell asleep coming from a double, and we all work hard.”

Inside the restaurant, some dining space was lost due to the damage. Still, the owners were able to make enough repairs to reopen within five days.

“We have put in a significant amount already to make sure we have the place presentable again for customers,” Waite said. “That final number is something we’ll have to look at.”

As they continue assessing repair costs, the owners say they are grateful for the community’s support.

“We’re grateful for our customers and the community for showing us whatever love they can,” Waite said. “We’re just appreciative.”

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