The Lunchbox in Tallahassee to Reopen After Car Crash

The Lunchbox, a long-standing diner in Tallahassee, Florida, is set to reopen on Thursday, March 19, 2026, after a car crashed into the building on Monday, March 16, 2026. The incident caused damage to the restaurant’s dining room and a walk-in cooler, but thankfully, no one was seriously injured.

Details of the Incident

According to the Tallahassee Police Department, the vehicle lost control at the intersection of Magnolia and Tennessee streets and struck the side of The Lunchbox even as customers were present. The car damaged the back dining room and destroyed a walk-in cooler, stopping just short of hitting propane tanks. Two people sustained injuries: a patron inside the restaurant and the driver of the vehicle.

A Community Staple

Owner David Raney, who purchased the restaurant in 2005, expressed his commitment to quickly restoring the diner for the community. “We’re trying to make the best of it, we want to get back open for our community,” Raney said in a statement to WCTV. “We’ve had tons of support, tons of local regulars here, and it’s just a staple for our community. We just don’t want to be shut down any more than we have to.” This is the second time in 27 years that a vehicle has crashed into The Lunchbox, which Raney described as a “freak accident.”

History of The Lunchbox

Originally founded as Jenny’s Lunchbox in 1999, the restaurant began as a minor breakfast stop. David Raney, a Florida State University graduate, took ownership in 2005, preserving its legacy as a local favorite. For over two decades, The Lunchbox has served classic diner fare to the Tallahassee community. Raney has also been involved in other Tallahassee restaurants, including Canopy Road, Merv’s Melts, and Proper the Brewpub at Proof.

Fundraising Efforts

Raney plans to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of repairs and support his staff during the closure.

Location and Contact Information

The Lunchbox is located at 295 N. Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301. You can reach them by phone at 850-942-9766. Delivery is available through DoorDash. Visit their website for more information.