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by Lowell Rose & WHAM Staff
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Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — A local business that was rebuilt in honor of a man who died in a crash officially reopened Friday.
Kenneth Rivers, owner of Hooked Fish Market, said the last several months have been challenging.
"It's been a long, hard road, a lot of obstacles," he said. "But sacrifice is the key to success."
A tragic chain-reaction, hit-and-run crash Aug. 16, 2024 sent a car into his business on Driving Park Avenue, taking the life of 36-year-old Lafayama "Lawfee" Chapman, a cherished customer and friend.
BACKGROUND: Driver sentenced for fatal hit-and-run crash in Rochester
The damage from the crash caused the market to shut down for several months.
"The process of rebuilding, staying in touch with the community, and realizing that through the tragedy of the accident of what happened at the market, realizing we still had a community to feed," Rivers explained.
The restaurant held a grand reopening celebration that included a balloon release in Chapman's memory.
Rivers also presented the family with a special plaque.
"A kind heart, warm smile and spirit that touched so many lives," Rivers said of Chapman. "You will forever be missed, but never forgotten."
Constance Jackson, Chapman's aunt, said the neighborhood fish market always took care of her nephew and has never stopped serving those in need.
"You got people out here hungry. You don't know a person's situation all the time," Jackson said. "These people will feed people whether they have money or not."
Local leaders and fellow business owners said they are thankful for Rivers' dedication to giving back and keeping community at the heart of his work.
"I just want to say I am so proud of you," said Maisha Beard, coordinator of business asset development for the City of Rochester. "I am grateful for what you are doing right here on Dewey Avenue, providing food for the community, providing jobs, contributing to the Rochester entrepreneurial ecosystem. The city is proud of you. We value you."
Rivers said he's grateful to be back doing what he loves again.
"Hooked Fish was good for the community. It was built to give people second chances," he said. "I was provided a second chance and will dedicate my life to give other people the same opportunity."
"I appreciate all the love and support that I get from the community, and yeah, we back open," Rivers said.
During the months the fish market was closed, Rivers never stopped serving others.
He worked with local partners to buy meals for those in need and even volunteered for a back-to-school giveaway, donating backpacks to 200 local students.
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