Kay Cook has owned K’ Jun Shack on FM 1485 East at the railroad tracks for 10 years. In that 10 years she has fed many East Montgomery County residents. Some of these were as customers but many more enjoyed her cooking as she fed residents for her annual Thanksgiving dinner. This year she was able to feed close to 100 people who otherwise would not have had a Thanksgiving. After Hurricane Harvey, Cook worked 3 days cooking for residents and first responders until the Salvation Army was in and set up. This 10th Christmas dinner may be a bit different. As her business was already decorated for Christmas and she was making plans for her annual Christmas Day dinner her building was destroyed. A call came in just after 4am as someone drove by and saw the flames. East Montgomery County Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished the flames on the building. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. Besides the fire, several residents at the apartments next door discovered their vehicle were broken into and tools and other items were stolen. Some were placed under the awning next to Cook’s restaurant. Customers and friends have come in and out all morning to give Cook a hug and ask what they could do to help. The building was not a total loss; however, it was not insured. Cook also had no insurance on her equipment. The equipment in the kitchen escaped damage and can still be used. Cook is no trying to decide what needs to be done. She has a dream of opening a place in East County to feed persons in need on a daily business.
