Beloved El Monte restaurant Arts Burgers reopens to huge crowds year after car crashed into building

EL MONTE, Calif. () — A year after a drunk driving crash sent a car smashing through the front of a popular El Monte restaurant, the community staple is back open and drawing huge crowds.

For a time, the owners of Arts Burgers thought their decades-long livelihood might have come crashing down when the devastating car crash happened.

Patties are back on the grill this week, and the kitchen is moving at full speed for the first time in more than a year.

“They’re the best hamburgers. We love it! That’s why we’ve waited like almost two hours,” said El Monte Resident Martha Silva.

When Art’s Burgers finally reopened on Thursday night, the community showed up with lines wrapping around the street.

The place sold out before 7 p.m., leaving owner Art Meier grateful and a little surprised.

“People who came in today, they’re like, ‘You turned me away last night, but I’m back!’ And I say, ‘Alright, thanks!'” said Meier.

Art’s Burgers went dark last spring after a suspected drunk driver hit a patrol car, sending that officer’s vehicle crashing into the restaurant. The impact shut the place down instantly.

“I’ve been doing this for 54 years. This is our livelihood. I had 24, with my daughter, 25 people and families I was supporting, then all of a sudden, it was gone,” Meier said.

Friday was another booming day of business with lines stretching down the block. Customers say the wait was worth it, especially for a place that’s been around for almost 30 years.

“Oh yeah, this is an El Monte staple right here,” said El Monte resident Joseph Perez.

Some customers said they have been coming to the restaurant since they were kids. Others just wanted to support a local business.

“Very good food, and everybody is very nice people, too,” Silva said.

“I never expected somebody… I mean them to be like this… just pour out their hearts and come in to support me like they are,” Meier said.