JACKSON HEIGHTS — The Jackson Heights Food Court reopened this week after being shuttered by the city and state for operating without a permit and for having mice and other vermin inside, according to officials.
Since it sold food along with grocery items, the market, at 73-07 37th Rd. was inspected by the state's Department of Agriculture and Markets after opening in a former movie theater in 2012, an owner, Razib Haq, said last month.
But a spokesman for that agency said they visited on Sept. 15 and found it was operating without a permit. They also determined it would be under the city's Health Department moving forward.
If prepared food is 50 percent of a store's revenue, then it requires a permit from the DOH according to the city.
Less than 50 percent requires a permit from the state.
A spokesman from Agriculture and Markets confirmed the Jackson Heights Food Court would now be inspected by the DOH.
A spokesman for the DOH said the Jackson Heights Food Court was now permitted by the Health Department and was authorized to reopen on Nov. 5th. They are currently awaiting a full inspection, the spokesman said.
The market's grand opening was held Nov. 10, and a sign posted outside said it's under new management. The layout remains the same, with grocery items in the back and a hot buffet in the front.
A wall inside was covered in old photos of Jackson Heights, an homage to the neighborhood's history. There are also new menu items, including French fries, onion rings and a fish sandwich.
Haq could not be reached for comment.