A thief-struck food truck on Budaiya Highway, famed for its sweets and cakes, reopened as usual thanks to the overwhelming support of customers who rallied round last night just hours after raiders stole electrical wiring and an air conditioner unit.
The incident, which was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, sparked a wave of solidarity from foodies across Bahrain, with long queues forming outside popular Raihana Station as it resumed operations at 9.30pm – its usual opening time.
Owner Raihana Zuhair said she was determined not to let the mean thieves shut down her small business.
“What happened didn’t break me – it saddened me,” she said. “But when my video went viral, everyone came to help me reopen.”
Despite the damage and disappointment, Ms Zuhair arranged urgent temporary electrical supplies to ensure she could serve customers on the same night.
“The electricity supply is a temporary fix and not all sweets will be available, as many require special preparation,” she explained. “But I wanted to open for the people who had stood by me.”
Videos shared online showed unprecedented queues stretching along Budaiya Highway, with customers also placing a surge of online orders in support of the business.
“Customers have offered to help fix my food truck and even prepare the sweets,” she said. “Their presence and support are all that I needed.”
Police officers were present at the scene last night, dusting for fingerprints and gathering evidence as part of an investigation to identify those responsible.
“The police are here taking fingerprints and looking for clues on the culprits,” Ms Zuhair added. Customers who turned up described the response as a show of community unity against crime.
One customer said: “We came to support her. Small businesses are the heart of our community, and we can’t let something like this discourage hardworking people.”
Another added: “The turnout tonight proves that kindness is stronger than negativity.”
Ms Zuhair expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received.
“I am truly thankful,” she said.
While some menu items remain temporarily unavailable, customers said the ‘spirit of resilience’ on display was the sweetest offering of the night.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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