Watertown's China Buffet closes without notice

A Chinese restaurant that was cited last year by the state Department of Health has ceased operations abruptly.

On Friday, there was a handwritten note in the window at China Buffet, 1241 Arsenal St., that said simply, "closed."

A free-standing billboard along Arsenal Street indicated that both the restaurant and the neighboring space, formerly Liberty Tax Service, are for rent.

The phone number on the sign directs callers to Kevin Fear, who did not return messages Friday.

In an advertisement on Craigslist, Mr. Fear wrote that the rent for the 4,300-square-foot restaurant would be $18 per square foot plus expenses. The furnished restaurant includes a full kitchen, walk-in cooler, stoves, sinks, seats, tables and dishes.

"The equipment and furnishings must be purchased and the space leased on a 3-year lease," he wrote.

According to Times archives, Yi Keung Lam was the owner of the business and president of AEA Arsenal Inc., which owned the site.

Mr. Lam is not listed in area phone books.

Last spring, the state Department of Health fined China Buffet, Watertown, a total of $500, including $200 for failing to store meat at the proper temperature.

An employee at the Sunoco station adjacent to China Buffet said Friday that the restaurant had ceased operations several weeks ago.

"They never told anybody anything. They just one day closed," said Tracey M. Dumas, Sunoco shift supervisor. "They're done."

The closure was news to one customer who drove up to the restaurant on Friday afternoon only to discover that the doors were locked and the lights off.

"It's closed!" she said, adding, "I like this China Buffet better than the other one."