The highly anticipated launch of a new restaurant in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is being delayed indefinitely, and the owner is blaming National Grid as the company is in a standoff with the state over a proposed gas pipeline.

El Jeffe on Parkside Avenue has staff hired and renovations completed, but cannot open due to a lack of gas because National Grid has paused new gas connections. It was in response to the state rejecting a proposed gas line known as the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project.

The Department of Environmental Conservation cited the potential effect to water quality in turning down the plan. But National Grid claims without the pipeline, it doesn't have the infrastructure to support new customers.

The Department of Public Service says it is investigating whether National Grid took appropriate action.