Summer Shocker: Stores Empty Next to Kings

Oriental Kitchen in the Kings shopping center has been a staple for Chinese takeout in Livingston for the past 25 years. But the Chinese restaurant closed this month when its lease was not renewed. Also shuttered is the Colaco's Creamery and Buzz barbershop.

Kings Super Markets, which owns the retail property 255-281 S. Livingston Ave., has not finalized plans but intends to use the space, said Cheryl Good, manager of Consumer Affairs for Kings Super Markets based in Parsippany.

will need township approval for any plans that eventually are submitted.

The change came as a summer shocker. "Oriental Kitchen is gone. A little part of me died," wrote Livingston resident Kevin McCann when he found out on Facebook.

and both promise customers they’ll be back in new locations: “In the coming weeks we’ll be moving our cups, cones and custards to a bigger and better location,” Colaco says on its website.

Cheuk Yeug, the owner of Oriental Kitchen, said the restaurant is looking for a new location in Livingston and hopes to reopen in four months.

The Chinese-food favorite is also using its website to keep patrons informed:

...What's Happening...

To All of Our Wonderful Customers:

We will be closing at the end of the day on Sunday, July 17, 2011.

Thank you so much for all your years of support.  We truly appreciate it. 

***We are considering finding another location.***

Please continue to check this website for news and updates."

Residents say they’ve been surprised to find their long-time favorite ice cream and Chinese takeout spots empty. Oriental Kitchen recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in the location and the ice cream shop has been there even longer.

The sign on the barber reads, “Due to unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, Buzz is closed.”

Tony Colaco managed the former Baskin Robbins for 17 years before ending the franchise and opening his own award-winning ice cream shop 11 years ago. In an interview with the West Essex Tribune, Colaco said, “I’m amazed how many people are telling me, ‘I can’t believe you’re leaving.’ Everyone can’t believe this store is closing, and neither can I.”