Local

King’s Kitchen owner says damage from uptown protests won’t stop his mission

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The King’s Kitchen hasn’t fully recovered from COVID-19.

It’s not even open to the public yet.

But, over the weekend the uptown Charlotte staple faced a few more setbacks when people broke into the restaurant during a protest, causing nearly $30,000 dollars in damage from broken windows.

‘I’m grateful for that. That nothing inside was torn up, founder Jim Noble said.

The protest was over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died at the hands of the Minneapolis police. His death has caused protests across the nation. Many of them have started peacefully, but eventually turn violent.

Noble got the call first thing Sunday morning from the security guard who watches over the building.

He told Channel 9’s Anthony Kustura that he’s disappointed something like this would happen, but he’s not discouraged.

Crews boarded up the busted windows Sunday while Noble and his team held a church service inside.

‘I pray for those on the riot side, that they would have a heart for other people,’ Noble said.

Kings Kitchen has been open since 2010. They donate 100% of their profits to people in need.

The nonprofit restaurant also employs and offers kitchen training for the homeless and those in recovery.

Since they’ve been closed due to Coronavirus, they’ve produced nearly 70,000 meals for vulnerable neighborhoods in and around Charlotte.

Noble said a few broken windows won’t stop their mission of serving the greater good.

‘We’re still producing those meals every day. We have to run as a restaurant, but we also have to run as a ministry,’ he said.