Oakland Lucky Three Seven restaurant serves holiday meals months after owner gunned down

AUCKLAND — Holiday food giveaways in Auckland have taken on new meaning this year following the murder of a business co-owner.

Artgel “Jun” Anabo Jr. He was shot dead in front of Lucky Three Seven, a popular restaurant in the Fruitvale district.returned on May 18 of this year.

On Friday, the restaurant went ahead with its annual Christmas event, providing free meals to neighbors and the community.
Instead of the $15 each plate normally costs, all orders were free.

“It was actually[Jun’s]idea to start this thing, so I want to continue the tradition,” said Mark Legazpi, co-owner of Lucky Three Seven.

Legaspi opened a popular Filipino restaurant ten years ago with his cousin Anabo Jr. That same year, they decided to hold a Christmas food giveaway every December 23rd. December 23rd is my grandmother’s birthday.

“We have to make money to survive, but we are also here to help people,” Legazpi said.

The Oaklanders gave away free backpacks and threw a block party for their neighborhood for a back-to-school event.
Aside from their good intentions, they are best known for their spicy and sweet G-Fire chicken wings.

“I’m a regular. I come here all the time. I love their G Fire wings. Very addictive. Very good,” said loyal customer Isabel Williams.

“I don’t want people to forget my cousin’s name. That guy is a big part of me,” Legazpi said.

In May, a masked gunman shot and killed Anabo Jr. in front of his 11-year-old son near a restaurant. Oakland police later arrested the man, but released him after prosecutors needed more evidence.

Investigators believed the suspect shot Annabo Jr. because he demanded the money back. They said the suspect sold the stolen truck to Annabo Jr.

The suspect in Anabo Jr.’s murder was also a key figure in the death of a woman who died in her San Ramon apartment in July, KPIX learned. Police say the woman was the man’s ex-girlfriend. The case is being investigated by the San Ramon police.

As Oakland police work to build a stronger case for the Anabo Jr. murder, Legazpi said he will carry on his cousin’s legacy to make Oakland better.

“We’re trying to shine a light on the good things that are happening in Auckland. There’s actually a lot of good things going on,” Legazpi said. “Now he’s laughing (he’s come down from heaven). I guess he’s jumping up with joy at the gift of food.”

Legaspi said it served about 300 people on Friday.