The owner of an IHOP restaurant in Nassau is fighting to keep making pancakes after being ordered to shut down by the restaurant chain.
The owner of the IHOP location on Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead says the IHOP corporation will not renew the restaurant's franchise agreement, citing the fact that the building is too old. The restaurant has been in business for more than 20 years.
Franchise owner Bienvenida Javier says the landlord is willing to make renovations, but still, she says IHOP won't budge. The franchise license was set to expire Tuesday, but a temporary restraining order has been obtained to allow the restaurant to remain open for at least a few more days.
Customers who frequent the eatery were disappointed to learn of the possible closure. Loyal patrons have started a petition that already has more than 1,000 signatures to keep the restaurant open.
News 12 obtained information from the Nassau County Department of Health, which showed that a recent inspection in April turned up only minor violations that didn't carry fines. The violations included dust that was detected on a fan and a lightbulb, and employee clothing by food area.
The IHOP corporation released a statement saying it does not comment on matters in litigation.