Two influencers were nearly hit when an SUV plowed into a Houston restaurant. Now, attorney Tony Buzbee is suing the restaurant for $1M.
HOUSTON — Two Houston food influencers who narrowly survived when an SUV plowed into a restaurant are now at the center of a lawsuit led by attorney Tony Buzbee.
Buzbee confirmed Monday he is representing the couple after the crash at Cuvée Culinary Creations. The lawsuit claims the restaurant failed to have barriers or protective structures in place to prevent the vehicle from driving through its glass front window. The filing seeks $1 million in damages.
Viral video captured terrifying moment
The crash happened Sunday, Aug. 17 when the SUV slammed through the front of the restaurant, sending glass flying into the dining area. A viral video shared online shows the moment of impact as influencers Nina Santiago, known online as NinaUnrated, and her partner Patrick Blackwood were sampling appetizers for their YouTube channel.
“It was a terrifying, scary experience, and like I said, one thing keeps replaying in my head was his facial expression,” Santiago told KHOU 11. “Like, we knew it was the end, but for some reason, it just wasn’t.”
Both Santiago and Blackwood were treated at the hospital for cuts and bruises and later released.
Owner recounts close call
Restaurant owner Ivory Watkins said he was standing next to the couple just seconds before the SUV came barreling in.
“Getting into the salmon sliders, I literally two seconds, turned and went this way, and talking to the guest that came into the door, and boom!” Watkins recalled. “The car came in right here, and then she started backing up and backed out the window.”
The restaurant was otherwise empty as staff prepared for a private party, a fact Watkins said may have prevented a tragedy.
“It would have been horrible. I don’t want to think about it,” Watkins said. “I feel very blessed, very, very lucky, very, very lucky. And that’s why I’m an emotional wreck right now, just thinking of that. I’m glad that God spared all four of us.”
‘This could’ve been our last meal’
After leaving the hospital, Santiago reflected on the experience.
“This experience showed me who truly matters; life’s too short for grudges or anger,” she said. “Let go, forgive, live in the now, and cherish those around you — this could’ve been our last meal.”
She also said she felt the presence of her dog Loyal, who passed away in November 2024:
“Thankful to the universe and our angel pup Loyal, who passed in Nov 2024 and protected us from above.”
Blackwood also shared his perspective on Instagram:
“Grateful to see another day, walking away from the small stuff with a big purpose! 🙏✨ Live bold, love deep, and make every moment count.”
What’s next
The lawsuit filed by Buzbee is the latest chapter in a case that has drawn widespread attention online because of the viral video and the couple’s close call.
The proposed damages claim that the restaurant should have had protections in place to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas.
The crash remains under investigation.
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