Chinatown eateries run out of gas.
Fan favorites Wah Fung No1 Fast Food located at 79 Chrystie street was eerily devoid of long lines these past two weeks and a sign posted on the closed gate stated “Closed for gas repair”. The reason was due to aging gas line leakage detected at a recent inspection which triggers an automatic turn off to prevent a tragedy similar to what occurred in the East village in 2015 where 2 people lost their lives. The DOB has been performing vigilant periodic inspections on residential properties and businesses since.
Bo Ky restaurant located at 78 Bayard street suffered the same fate and has been closed since early May. The decades old TeoChew ( Chao Chew) style eatery has enjoyed a cult following since opening its doors in 1986.
As with any emergency order to turn off gas service, the restaurants must hire licensed plumbers to correct the problems and pass inspections before gas service is restored which could prove to be a lengthy process depending on scope of work needed.