ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY)– The popular crawfish restaurant is back open after being hit by a car in July.

A high-speed chase ended as a car crashed into Cajun Claws, destroying the bar in the front of the building. The Choate family rebuilt what was destroyed of their family business with the help of their community. Their GoFundMe raised nearly $13,000.

Jodi Choate said the crash was financially devastating, which concerned the Choate Family about the future their business and livelihoods.

“Financially for us it was scary,” Choate said. “And it was going to be the end of our chapter. We didn’t really want to end it on that note, and we said we are going to do it again.”

She said the community helped more than just monetarily. Choate said local carpenters, plumbers, customers and farmers helped as well.

“One of the farmer’s wife…I was sitting in the back with Donnie, and she went up to Donnie,” Choate said. “And she put something in his pocket, and he pulled it out. He says, like, ‘No, I don’t want this.'”

Choate continued, “She came to me and said, ‘I just want you to know your husband paid more for years for my husband’s crawfish. And we’re at a point where we can help pay it forward.'”

She said it feels good to be back and even better that they made it in time for crawfish season.

“It feels like I can breathe again,” Choate said.

Cajun Claws were able to open their doors just in time for Mardi Gras season and business has been booming since because of the love of the community.

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