Picking Up the Pieces: Mustang's Del Rancho Navigates Post-Crash Challenges

Picture this: it's a quiet Monday morning, just like any other, at Mustang's Del Rancho. Suddenly, chaos. A car, completely out of nowhere, plowed right through the side of the building on February 19th. It’s the kind of unexpected, dramatic event that can turn a perfectly normal day upside down for everyone involved, especially for a local business that's a staple in its community.

The damage, as you can imagine, was anything but minor. Walls were breached, structure compromised, and the usual hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen came to a grinding halt. For over a week, the familiar doors remained shut while repairs kicked into gear, forcing the team to focus on rebuilding rather than serving their loyal customers.

March 2nd brought a sigh of relief as Mustang's Del Rancho finally welcomed customers back, a testament to their resilience and quick work. But the return to normalcy has been anything but smooth. The impact of that single crash continues to ripple through their operations, hitting them where it hurts most: their bottom line. We're talking about a sales drop of more than 50% since reopening. It's a huge blow, especially for a family-style restaurant that thrives on consistent foot traffic and repeat business.

David Siler, the general manager, sounds genuinely disheartened by the situation. "It’s been pretty rough, pretty tough on us," he shared, expressing the worry that comes with such a drastic financial downturn. You can hear the concern in his voice – it’s not just about numbers; it's about livelihoods, the staff, and the future of a place deeply embedded in Mustang, Oklahoma.

Now, about the crash itself, there's a bit of a mixed story. The driver involved claimed brake failure, a common explanation in such incidents. However, the police report paints a slightly different picture, noting the driver reportedly 'blacked out' at the wheel. Interestingly, the driver wasn't injured and even refused medical attention at the scene. For whatever reason, no citations were issued at the time, leaving the incident with a touch of lingering mystery for many.

Through all this hardship, one thing shines brightly: the unwavering support of the Mustang community. David mentioned that many customers have been regulars for decades, some even since the restaurant first opened its doors. These aren't just customers; they're family, they're neighbors, and they understand the importance of rallying around a beloved local spot when it's down. Their continued patronage, though not enough yet to fully offset the losses, is a huge morale booster.

So, if you're looking for a good meal and want to lend a hand to a local institution picking itself up after an unexpected disaster, consider stopping by Mustang's Del Rancho. Every plate served helps them rebuild, one delicious bite at a time. They’re working hard, serving up the same great food, and hoping that with a little community love, they can get back to their pre-crash bustling glory.