El Pilon Criollo, still recovering after car rammed through, hosts back-to-school event

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — As one Rochester restaurant continues to get back on its feet, it’s still making time for an annual tradition to make sure kids are prepped and ready for the upcoming school year.

At the end of July, El Pilon Criollo on North Clinton Avenue was heavily damaged after a car crashed into the business. The owners were able to get back in action fairly quickly, just in time for school.

“It is very meaningful to us to be able to give back to our community in this way, even after we have had the incident at the restaurant, because they have continued to support us,” Owner Alejandra Brown said.

It was all eyes on supplies outside El Pilon Criollo Sunday morning. The restaurant turned into a hair salon and a center for free school necessities.

“We reach out to several businesses. I let them know what my idea is, what I hope to do, and we receive donations from the community. We receive volunteers. All the people that are going to be cutting here today are volunteers that have reached out on their own accord,” Brown said.

Nearly 500 backpacks were provided. Inside, were hygiene products, pens, and pencils. With everyone getting in on the fun and providing resources, Owner Alejandra Brown said being able to get so many kids ready for school is an opportunity she’s grateful to have.

“It’s so important for these kids to go back to school with something with pride, with something that’s there, something that’s brand new to them, not something used, not something handed down,” Brown said.

Something new this year: haircuts. Brown says with the rising costs of them, she wanted to add it as a bonus for parents getting their kids ready to get on the school bus.

“We love our customers. They feel like family to us. So being able to be a part of their kids going back to school, being prepared for, you know, everything to come in the year, to learn and to go back happy with something that’s theirs. It means a lot to us as a family,” Brown said.

Brown said she hopes the event will only continue to grow so they can provide to even more students for school years to come.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.