Husk Owners: Building ‘Issue’ Is Reason Restaurant Remains Closed.

Owners of Husk New American Tacos say “an issue” with the building is the reason the restaurant remains closed. The building’s owner denies anything is wrong with it.

Husk, located at 105 Main St., Collinsville has not reopened since the October snowstorm.

A Nov. 7 facebook posting stated, “We are currently experiencing HVAC problems at Husk.”

Since then there has been numerous facebook messages and talk among residents who miss the Collinsville dining option.

On Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, Husk released the following statement to Patch:

"The team at Husk is very sorry to its loyal customers that we have yet to reopen. We are taking this time to deal with an issue with our building. The health of our employees and customers are extremely important to us and we are taking certain steps to deal with those issues. As we learn more from our experts, additional updates will be forth coming. Thanks to everybody for the inquiries and support."

The message indicated that Husk will refrain from further comment at this time. 

The building owner is listed as 105,107,109 Main St., Collinsville, Mary K. Howley, principal.

Reached earlier this week, Howley said the sign on the building is wrong and there is nothing wrong with the HVAC system.

She said she had no idea what Husk’s plans are but said as far as she is concerned “they voluntarily closed down” and owe three months rent.

“If they don’t bring their rent up to speed, they will be done,” she said.

“We’re currently showing the property,” Howley added.

Jordan L. Stein, Husk’s chef is also listed as managing partner of Husk, LLC at the Connecticut Secretary of state’s Web site.

Opened in August of 2010, the restaurant quickly gained a following, using many local ingredients and garnishing widespread press, including a write up in the New York Times.

Its industrial look incorporated many elements of Collinsville and used some reclaimed materials. The restaurant hosted local fundraisers and scenes for an upcoming film were shot there.  

Since it has been closed, many in town have written on Husk’s facebook wall, talked about the restaurant and inquired about its future. 

Corey Tucker, a Collinsville massage therapist and photographer, said she misses the food but also seeing friends and the "sense of community.

"Most of all I'd say I've missed the people that worked there and the sense of community that we had there as well as seeing other friends throughout Collinsville come and gather," she said.