Chinese restaurant that closed after fire unable to reopen for holiday season

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Chinese restaurant in north Columbus known as a popular spot for holiday dining announced it will not be able to reopen this month, as it continues to recover after a fire last year. 

Hunan Lion, located at 2038 Crown Plaza Drive, caught on fire in October 2023 before the diner was set to open for the day. No one was hurt, but it did result in the restaurant closing due to fire damage in the kitchen. The Columbus fire department said it did not suspect foul play as a cause.

The eatery posted on its Facebook page in March that it hoped to reopen in early summer, but did not reach that goal. The restaurant updated customers again in September, saying it was “getting much closer” to opening its doors. However, the diner remains closed, and a recent update on its Facebook page states it will not reopen for the holiday season.

“We’re saddened to say we won’t be able to open in time for the holidays this year,” the Facebook post reads in part. “While we’ve completed a majority of the repairs, we’ve experienced several delays due to the complexities with our permit with the city, ongoing inspections, and coordinating with the various parties involved.”

The post thanked customers for their patience, and said the restaurant would welcome people back “very soon in the new year.” Customers can check the restaurant’s Facebook, Instagram and website for updates.