MOUNT VERNON — When Huaxin Ye opened the Buffet Oriental at 977 Coshocton Ave., he had no idea the previous tenants at that address, New Hong Kong Buffet, would have such an effect on his business.
“[I] never thought the public would carry over the same impression the previous owner had with the [Knox County] Health Department,” said Ye through interpreter Eddie Chen.
Ye opened Buffet Oriental in February, but said he feels his business should be better than it is, especially since there is no connection between himself and the owners of New Hong Kong Buffet. He said that although Mount Vernon already has two other Chinese restaurants, he didn’t believe opening Buffet Oriental would oversaturate the market.
“About every 8,000 [in] population can make one Chinese restaurant succeed,” Ye said.
New Hong Kong Buffet had its license suspended in October 2006 for failing to pass health department inspections. In December 2006, the restaurant reopened and changed its name to Wok N Roll before ultimately closing its doors for good.
Despite positive inspections from the health department and advertising that the business was under new ownership, Ye, who operates two other restaurants in Columbus, said he continues to struggle to bring in the customer base he feels he should have here in Mount Vernon.
“We have a good working relationship with [the] health department and no problem nor violations,” Ye said.
Brian Benick of the Knox County Health Department confirmed that Buffet Oriental’s health inspections have passed muster.
“Regular inspections there are good. It’s clean, well organized,” Benick said.
When the health department issues a food license, it is required by law to return for a follow-up inspection within 30 days of opening. Benick said the restaurant has been inspected four times since February; each inspection gives the restaurant the green light to continue its operation.
“There is no connection to the previous owners. People shouldn’t be concerned with the previous operators,” Benick said.
