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Burger Joint Calls On Holy Men To Unjinx Location

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Superstition didn't stop a couple of city restaurant owners from leasing space some say is jinxed.

The new owners at the New York Burger Company franchise at 470 W. 23rd St. believe they've covered all the bases.

The owners invited a Buddhist priest, Catholic priest and Jewish Rabbi to the site Monday to chase away some bad spirits and sprinkle some holy water.

At least four restaurants have come and gone in the same location over the past 10 years, WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported.

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WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reports from Chelsea

"I'm not superstitious, but every time I walked in the kitchen -- when let's say I was doing a special dish or something like that -- I would do 13 portions," owner Petrous Moldovan said.

Owner Madeline Poley said she believes there is a 25-year run of restaurants opening and closing in the space.

"It was like an archaeological dig. Our contractor went down through at least four restaurant sites. One just kept building over the other," Poley said.

Poley believes good people, good food, concept and timing will keep the place in business when the restaurant opens next week.

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