Carnegie Deli closed in Midtown over gas line issue

NEW YORK -- 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 says utility crews discovered a diverted line after investigating a gas leak. A stop-work order was posted Friday.

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.

Con Ed reported that a gas leak was discovered the building as part of a public inspection Wednesday afternoon, and the building was turned off.

"We dug up the sidewalk/street, replaced pipe, went to do the integrity test on Thursday, and the piping failed the integrity test," said a statement from the utility/

According to Con Ed, further investigation theft of service; it said half the gas was going through the meter while half the gas was being diverted.

The owner of the deli was billed $40,050 for six years worth of delivery of natural gas since that's as far back as the utility is allowed to go by law. That bill was paid by the Carnegie Deli's owner immediately, according to Con Ed. The building remains turned off while the Department of Buildings and city agencies investigate.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.