Ben’s Deli in the Bay Terrace Shopping Center was temporarily shut down by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene due to a permit issue, but has reopened its doors as of Thursday afternoon.
According to a corporate spokesperson for Ben’s Deli, the closure had nothing to do with the sanitary conditions in the restaurant, which were deemed to have met its requirements. The spokesperson told QNS the restaurant was shut down Wednesday as a result of a delay in the city renewing its permit, which had expired. Consequently, it was closed until the new permit arrived Thursday afternoon.
Despite the restaurant’s recent closure, it is not expected to impact orders that have been placed for Passover, on Wednesday, April 5. Orders should still be filled and delivered on time and pickup orders should also be ready by then, according to a note posted on the deli’s front door.
The initial news of the closure left many Bayside residents shocked and concerned. However, when they learned that it was due to an expired permit rather than the condition of the restaurant, there was a sense of relief.
“Finding the place [closed] is very sad,” one Bayside resident said after arriving there only to see it closed. “I thought they were always immaculate. I hope the place will open up again soon.”
The inspection team from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene did not respond to QNS’ request for comment as of publication.
