Center Street Smokehouse at 20 Center Street in the City of Batavia had to close its doors fifteen minutes after opening on Sunday afternoon. According to Center Street Smokehouse Manager Cortney Berl, City Fire arrived at the restaurant to investigate a hazardous condition after a customer inquiry two weeks ago.
The brick under and around the Times Building block appears to be bowed where the Center Street Smokehouse sign is located. City Fire investigated the building inside and outside and contacted City Code enforcement to respond. Upon arrival, City Code enforcement closed down the sidewalk area in front of the main entrance to Center Street Smokehouse. No debris was found on the sidewalk.
Berl was prepared to allow customers to enter the restaurant through a different door for the day, but she was advised that the whole restaurant would have to close down until further notice.
The restaurant had already put out a buffet for the day and was ready to welcome customers.
Berl called a contracting company who immediately responded. The contractor will get to work on Monday removing the brick above the sign and main entrance on Center Street to see if there is an issue with the Times Building which was constructed in 1930.
Three weeks ago, the building passed an insurance inspection and inspectors found nothing wrong Berl says, but due to the unknown situation the building was closed today
“The safety of our customers is our first priority, and we have someone looking into it in less than 24 hours,” says Berl.
Center Street Smokehouse is normally closed Monday -Wednesday and are hoping to have the restaurant open again by Thursday.