Carnegie Deli Closed Over Gas Line Issue

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Hold the pastrami.

New York's famous Carnegie Deli has been closed so utility workers can investigate a possible illegal gas hookup.

A recording at the restaurant's phone number Saturday says it is closed for repairs related to the city's gas utility, Con Edison.

But Con Edison spokesman Bob McGee said utility crews discovered a diverted line after investigating a gas leak. A stop-work order was posted Friday.

Ron, who walks past the deli twice daily told 1010 WINS he can't believe the deli would be stealing gas.

"After what happened in the East Village, I can't believe this is happening," Ron said. "This is dangerous.

Investigators from the city and the Manhattan district attorney's office have stepped up inspections of gas hookups since an explosion in the East Village killed two people on March 26. Authorities believe that blast may have been caused by someone improperly tapping a gas line.

The Carnegie Deli is a popular tourist destination known for its massive pastrami sandwiches and pop culture cameos. Scenes from Woody Allen's "Broadway Danny Rose" were shot there.

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