Flood-damaged Merrick restaurant reopens in time for planned party
Restaurant owner says floodwaters caused about $150,000 in damage, but repairs and equipment replacements allowed the business to reopen in time for a 125-person event.
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A Merrick restaurant that sustained significant flooding during the weekend’s nor’easter reopened Tuesday afternoon, just in time for a large event planned for the evening.
More than 3 feet of water surged through Fabio’s on the Water during the storm, causing approximately $150,000 in damage. The flooding impacted kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, sheetrock and electrical equipment.
The restaurant had been closed since Saturday while crews worked to restore the facility. Overnight and into Tuesday morning, repair crews addressed the damage while workers dried out floors and carpeting.
Owner Fabio Giambanco said additional problems emerged after the floodwater receded. Saltwater exposure caused several pieces of equipment to fail, including refrigeration units.
“We had about four chest freezers fail. Two lowboys failed, which are refrigeration units. Thankfully, I had these on the side of the warehouse, so we came in, replaced them, got new ones in. Thankfully, there was no damage done to our food,” Giambanco said.
Despite those setbacks, Fabio’s on the Water reopened Tuesday afternoon and was already serving customers. The restaurant was also able to move forward with a previously scheduled event, welcoming 125 guests Tuesday evening.
