Water main break causes headache for businesses in Midtown on busy Black Friday

Saturday, November 25, 2023
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- A water main break flooded a busy stretch of Midtown on Friday.

It happened at 498 7th Ave between West 37th and West 36th Street. Just before 4:30 p.m.
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Many businesses lost money or had to close down early on Black Friday - certainly no gift for Zeppola Bakery.

"I know we lost a good amount of money for sure - around the time that it happened, usually that's the rush when people are leaving the city and going home or to their hotels so we know people like to stop by and get pastries," said Dayanara Carrera.

Instead, chairs were empty - also just in time to affect business at Beyond Sushi.

"I was receiving calls from reservations saying they couldn't make it, they have to cancel, just because the roads were closed," said Manager Liz Sanchez.



Repairs continued long after 7th Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets opened back up.
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Some businesses stayed off the naughty list by weathering the storm. Zeppola Bakery's customers happy to get their treats.

"We gotta get the cannoli, I mean if you gotta walk around some barrriers - you walk around barriers, that's just me," said Michael Radin.



DEP crews were able to isolate the leak and shut water off. There was no interruption to water service for customers in the area.

ALSO READ | Shoppers temporarily evacuated from American Dream mall on Black Friday
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American Dream Mall temporarily evacuated on Black Friday


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