LA COSTE, Texas — A La Coste business that just earned the vote for best coffee in Medina County for 2023 is now closed until further notice.
Shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday night, a car driving down Castro Avenue crashed into Schottzy's coffee shop. The force of the crash was so strong, it shifted the building's brick wall at least a foot into the store.
Thursday morning, Jenkins Restorations crews worked quickly to stabilize the building to keep it from collapsing.
Schottzy's owners, Kimberly and Cody Lane, interviewed with KENS 5 outside their blooming business, with grateful hearts for their customers.
The crash happened just as the Lane Family was planning a one-year anniversary celebration Saturday. News of the upcoming celebration was published in Thursday's newspaper in Devine.
"It's still not real," Kimberly explained. "They were telling me for 72 hours it's not gonna sink in."
The Lanes were asleep when the crash happened.
"I had multiple phone calls come in for about 30 minutes," said Kimberly.
When Cody's phone began to vibrate, the couple woke up to the news. A friend in law enforcement was the one to reach them.
"He said, 'No, I'm not there, but it's really bad. You need to get over there,'" said Kimberly.
Security cameras captured the moment an SUV crashed into their business, sending debris and merchandise flying.
Medina County EMS officials say the driver went to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Darrell Rawlings, City Administrator for La Coste, forwarded a press release from the police department that stated alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.
"Hopefully there wasn't anything like foul play going on and I'm glad they are OK. I'm sure we'll find out a lot more real soon," said Kimberly.
Schottzy's is the lone coffee shop in La Coste, a town of about 1,100.
Support is pouring in for the Lane Family on Facebook. Roxy McMickle said, "This is devastating! Such an amazing business with an amazing owner and staff. We were so looking forward to celebrating their 1 year anniversary with them this weekend."
Dusty Valdez commented, "So sorry!! This was the best thing to happen to La Coste. Hopefully insurance and the community will come together to help restore this structure."
Kelly Hurst said, "Praying for you all! Kimberly Lane, Cody & your team have done such amazing things for the local communities. I know God will use this for good some how some way! I love you."
Kimberly, a teacher and educator in the area for 10 years, knew it was time to make the switch to a small business owner when the building's former tenant moved out. Schottzy's is named after her mother, using her maiden name "Schott".
"Schottzy is a nickname given to over 30 of the grandkids by a well-known man in the next town over that unfortunately just passed away. He was very well known and loved in Devine, Eddie Hutzler."
It's too soon to say when Schottzy's will reopen. One thing is certain: They're not going anywhere.
"I knew this community was special before we opened. They have shown their colors. The parking lot was full with people pouring in here, 'What can we do to help? Want us to help clean the mess up?'"
"We'll be serving coffee real soon," Kimberly added. "Schottzy's will be back!"
Details for Saturday are still in the works. Follow Schottzy's on Facebook for updates.
There is now a GoFundMe to help bring the coffee shop back to its feet, as well as an account at TXN Bank in La Coste under Schottzy’s Benefit account where you can make direct denotations.