He tried to break up an employee argument — now Durham diners are donating

Days after a shooting at the Silver Spoon Restaurant in Durham left a co-owner in critical condition, a local fundraiser has already raised more than $18,000 to support their family and staff.

On Mother’s Day, the man was shot while trying to defuse an argument between two employees of the North Roxboro Street family restaurant. One of the employees allegedly fired a gun while the man tried to intervene, striking him, according to Durham police.

While the victim’s name has not been publicly released by police, the fundraiser identifies the owners as Z and Sue, a couple who “have been a meaningful part of the local community for over 35 years.”

Currently, the restaurant remains temporarily closed as Z remains in the hospital.

“The family has been left to cope with both the emotional impact of this traumatic event and the financial strain that comes with it,” wrote Gigi Ghanayem, a family friend and creator of the fundraiser. “Donations will help ease the burden of everyday costs, provide support for the injured owner’s medical care, and also contribute to helping their employees who are unable to work during this time while the family works toward reopening as Z fights toward a full recovery.”

The incident and fundraising

According to Durham police, officers responded to the restaurant at about 11:31 a.m. Sunday

Samar Suliman Al-Mahmoud, 55, was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury. On Monday morning, he was denied bail at the Durham County Courthouse during a first appearance, according to CBS17. His role at the restaurant and relationship to the family is unconfirmed.

The Silver Spoon serves Southern-style breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, except Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The business was opened in 2007 as the Golden Spoon. The founders are immigrants who “poured their heart and soul into creating a place where every customer feels like family,” the website reads.

The GoFundMe lists a goal of $30,000 to help the Silver Spoon family.

Kristen Johnson

The News & Observer

919-829-4532

Kristen Johnson is a local government reporter covering Durham for The News & Observer. She previously covered Cary and western Wake County. Prior to coming home to the Triangle, she reported for The Fayetteville Observer and spent time covering politics and culture in Washington, D.C. She is an alumna of UNC at Charlotte and American University.