Junction Kitchen raises money to support family of employee killed in weekend shooting

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)– A local restaurant is mourning the loss of a fellow employee and raising money for his family after the man was killed in an apartment shooting over the weekend.

On Saturday night around 11 p.m., an officer patrolling the Bridgeview apartments heard gunshots in the area. The Charleston Police Department said an argument led to a shooting that left two people injured and killed 44-year-old Brian Fokes.

The Junction Kitchen family is taking action to support Fokes’ family by raising money for his funeral costs and children’s education and reflecting on his impact on his community.

“His whole aura about him was just irreplaceable; he was so personal inside and outside this restaurant. He is irreplaceable,” said Laura Lee Rose, a Junction Kitchen waitress.

Fokes leaves behind three children, a mother, and a community of friends who adore him. Fokes son, Brien Jr., said each day has been rough, but he’s leaning on his dad’s work family at Junction Kitchen to help him get through the pain.

“I wasn’t sleeping for at least two days. I couldn’t eat, sleep, drink, or do anything. You know, after a couple of days pass, you start to get better,” said Brien.

The Junction Kitchen family is jumping into action to care for one of their own, now raising funds to cover Fokes’ funeral costs and set his kids up for success.

“So, we’re going to allocate some of them to the family for funeral costs. Then we’re going to put together education for the youngest kids,” said Kimana Littleflower, owner of Junction Kitchen.

To donate or contribute, you can visit the Junction Kitchen in North Charleston or click the link below. Fundraiser by The Junction Kitchen: Help Honor Brian Fokes’ Legacy (gofundme.com)