Westfield Cuban Restaurant Down To 1 Chef After Major Car Collision

WESTFIELD, NJ — Old Havana Cafe & Restaurant in downtown Westfield is currently working with limited staff, as three of its chefs were involved in a serious car accident over the weekend.

A total of four people were injured Saturday night, when a 22-year-old Westfield man, suspected of driving under the influence, collided with another vehicle. The man's car also flipped over after crashing into a house on Edgewood Avenue.

Read more: 4 Injured After Westfield Drunk Driver Crashes Twice: Police

The owner of the Cuban restaurant, Patricia Sommer, told Patch that the restaurant is currently working with one chef, a prep helper and a dishwasher.

One of the three chefs involved in the accident may need back surgery and is seeing a neurosurgeon, according to Sommer. She said the chef will need 30 days to cover from his injury.

The owner said the other chefs are doing fine and are committed to returning to work soon. She said the car they were in was completely damaged, following the "horrible" crash.

The restaurant closed at 6 p.m. on Sunday for dine in and take out because they were short-staffed.

According to Tapinto, all cash tips the restaurant earns this week will be donated to fund the injured chef's medical costs.

The 22-year-old, Ariel Guzman, who was suspect of driving while intoxicated that night was sent to University Hospital with a head injury, but police said it did not appear to be life-threatening.

Guzman was released from police custody with a pending court date, police said.

People are encourage to follow Old Havana on Facebook for any updates on the restaurant's hours.