NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Junction Kitchen is remembering one of its employees who was killed in an act of gun violence over the weekend.
News 4 first reported on the death of 44-year-old Brian Fokus on Saturday.
He works at Junction Kitchen and joined the company about two years ago.
“When I interviewed Brian, he said what he lacked in knowledge and experience he made up for in loyalty and that has been so true and unwavering. I've never known a more loyal employee,” owner Kimana Littleflower said.
Read more | “Victim of Friday's fatal shooting at apartment identified as 44-year-old man: Charleston County Coroner's Office”
Mr Fox started as a cook and through hard work and dedication he was promoted to kitchen manager.
“He and I both saw this place as more than just a restaurant to work at, it was like a family,” co-worker Laura Lee Rose said.
Colleagues say they've watched Fox make a difference and build a community within the restaurants.
“He was the kind of sweetest, most caring person I've ever met. He would give the shirt off his back for you. He loved you and was like a stern older brother and would tell you what you needed to hear, but he loved you just the same,” Rose said.
“He comes over and hugs everybody and puts a smile on his face. I come over in a bad mood but I can't be in a bad mood with Brian around,” Littleflower said.
His secret was a positive attitude. “He became my mentor,” Littleflower said. “His work ethic and dedication was something I always aspired to,” said colleague Tanner Veitch.
According to Charleston police, Fox was shot and killed Friday night at the Bridgeview Apartment complex in downtown Charleston. Two other people were also wounded in the shooting.
Read more | “One dead, two injured in shooting at Charleston apartment”
He was said to have worked hard to escape gun violence and was an active educator in the North Charleston community where his restaurant is located.
“It's tragic that he died the way he did because he was always fighting against gun violence. He hated that area of North Charleston,” Veitch said.
“It's not just the individual who is affected, it's the community,” Littleflower said. “Why aren't local governments doing more to repair the divide?”
Brian will be remembered as someone who treated others with kindness, and it has been said that he transformed ordinary dining experiences into memorable occasions.
“Brian had the most amazing smile,” Littleflower said.
“It will lighten you up,” Veitch said.
Co-workers say Junction Kitchen will never be the same without him, and the restaurant has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and for Brian's children.
On Sunday, they donated a cash tip and 20 percent of all sales to his family, raising about $1,500.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Charleston Police Department.
