(Image: Taurus Ox)

Friends and fans are rallying to support restaurateur Khampaeng “KP” Panyathong, owner of Capitol Hill’s Taurus Ox.

The restaurant announced Panyathong was scheduled to undergo a craniotomy Thursday to address a tumor discovered on his brain.

“Let’s surround him with love and support so he can return to his family healthy, continue creating amazing dishes, and working on exciting new project,” the Taurus Ox update reads.

A community fundraiser to support Panyathong and his family has raised thousands of dollars to help cover medical costs and aid during “the likely long road to recovery ahead.”

Panyathong runs Taurus Ox on 19th Ave E, its Ox Burger spinoff on E Madison, and Ananas Pizzeria on First Hill.

The venues remain open for business.

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