ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — The Empire Palace has been a community staple in Hopewell for years, and now customers are rallying behind the owner after she lost her life savings.
There was shock and disbelief among DoorDash drivers and customers of the empire palace after learning that Jenny Zheng, who has owned the Chinese restaurant for many years was recently the victim of theft.
”Whenever you hear things like that it’s kind of sad,” said Yamato Crow, DoorDash driver.
A GoFundMe account created by Zheng’s son says his mother’s home in McCandless was broken into last month, with the thieves getting away with retirement money, her life savings, and family heirlooms passed down.
”It’s devastating. I can’t imagine it. We’ve all fought for what we work for, and to have it taken away like that is just tragic,” said Steve Schollaert, who owns Rite Way Mobility next door to the Empire Palace.
Customers said they’ll do what they can to support Zheng in this time of need who has always shown kindness to them.
”A couple times a week, we eat here, they’re great people and take good care of us and everybody in this community, so anything anybody can do and that we can do would be great,” Schollaert said.
McCandless police have not responded to requests for an update about the investigation.
If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
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